New front wheel bearings

[Dennis S.]

Decided to change my front wheel bearings during the restoration. Installed new Federal Mogul inner and outer races in the hubs. Packed the new wheel bearings, installed the inners and tapped in the new seals. Can't seem to get the new inner bearings to go over the spindles. The old bearings still easily go back on and off. Both old and new mic at 1.375 so what am I doing wrong? Or should I just try forcing them on with the washer and nut?

[Joe L.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Decided to change my front wheel bearings during the restoration. Installed new Federal Mogul inner and outer races in the hubs. Packed the new wheel bearings, installed the inners and tapped in the new seals. Can't seem to get the new inner bearings to go over the spindles. The old bearings still easily go back on and off. Both old and new mic at 1.375 so what am I doing wrong? Or should I just try forcing them on with the washer and nut?

Dennis-----


Check the new bearings for any "burrs" or "upset" metal. I've never seen this but it's the only thing I can think of tht would account for your problem. Also, recheck the ID of the bearing inner race AT SEVERAL POINTS of the circumference. If the bearings, old and new, measure exactly the same ID, I cannot otherwise understand why the new bearings won't slide onto the spindle.

By the way, what is stamped on the new bearing races?

[Wayne W.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Just lately, I have been seeing this same thing on a couple. I just used another bearing.

[Dennis S.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

The Federal Mogul bearings were made in Mexico. Tried a set today labeled "Parts Depot" that were made in China. Same problem. Just ordered a set from GM today, supposedly Timkin. Wonder where they were made? Will let you know how they fit. May have to get aggressive with some 600 grit on either the spindles, the inner bearing races, or both. I've never had this problem before either.

[Joe L.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Just ordered a set from GM today, supposedly Timkin. Wonder where they were made?

Dennis----


Many of the Timken bearings primarily used for older applications are made in Brazil.

Look for any bearing made in Japan. Those are usually the absolutely best bearings to be found anywhere in the world. They're made like a Rolex watch.

[Gary R.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

I have the USA Timkens if you need them. All the bearings "Should" be the same size. If your originals fit I would not start dressing the od of the spindle and make it undersize.

[Joe L.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

If your originals fit I would not start dressing the end of the spindle and make it undersize.

Gary-----


I TOTALLY agree.

[Dennis C.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Below is the contact information from a vendor selling bearings and seals that I spoke to at the PA show. He claims to have American bearings for a wide assortment of vehicles. I haven't purchased from him yet, but might be worth checking out. I did speak to him about front and rear bearings for my '61 which he claims to have.

OlCar Bearing Company
910-693-3324

[Paul J.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Dennis:

The bearings should fit and I agree with Gary and Joe. Don't dress the spindles if the old bearings fit. If the old bearings have no signs of burning and are not grooved, you could always reuse them and worry about this problem later. Cleaning and repacking the old bearings certainly would not detract from your restoration.

Paul

[Dennis S.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Thanks guys. The new Timkens fit perfect. Just need to knock the Federal Mogul races out of the hubs and put in the matching Timkens.

[Joe L.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Thanks guys. The new Timkens fit perfect. Just need to knock the Federal Mogul races out of the hubs and put in the matching Timkens.

Dennis-----


Where are the Timken bearings you got manufactured?

[Dennis S.]

Re: New front wheel bearings

Joe

Can't tell from the boxes...it doesn't say anywhere. I neglected to look the bearings over for any "Made in" markings before installing. However, they look like "mucho" better quality than the others.