C1 Front Roller Bearings
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2011
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C1 Front Roller Bearings
I am contemplating changing from ball bearings to roller bearings on the front end of my 61 Corvette. Is there any special installation procedure ie: tightening them down/adjusting them differently then the service manual says to?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
1. While spinning wheel, torque nut to 12 ft-lbs.
2. Back the nut off ONE FLAT and insert cotter pin either vertically or horizontally (there are two holes). If neither hole lines up with a slot, back off the nut slightly until one of the two does, and insert the cotter pin.
There are 20 threads per inch, so one nut rotation equals .050". One full flat's rotation is one-sixth of that, or .008". However, with two cotter pin holes to choose from, one-twelfth of that is .004". That process will ensure that there is ZERO preload, and at least .008" (up to .012") axial play.
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
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In the past recent years, there has been a LOT of discussion, debate and conflict about replacing the front wheel ball bearings with roller bearings.
I for one am a strong advocate for replacing the ball bearings with rollers. But there is a lot more to having a steady, straight tracking frontend on 53-62 Vettes than just changing the ball bearings to roller bearings. That includes good tight front suspension joints (or a proper rebuild to eliminate loose joints), a properly adjusted steering box (or a rebuild of the steering box), radial tires and a proper alignment by someone who knows these old frontends------------------------as well as installing roller bearings. Roller bearings alone won't make a night and day difference, but when added to all of the above, it will contribute to improved steering and tracking.
I for one am a strong advocate for replacing the ball bearings with rollers. But there is a lot more to having a steady, straight tracking frontend on 53-62 Vettes than just changing the ball bearings to roller bearings. That includes good tight front suspension joints (or a proper rebuild to eliminate loose joints), a properly adjusted steering box (or a rebuild of the steering box), radial tires and a proper alignment by someone who knows these old frontends------------------------as well as installing roller bearings. Roller bearings alone won't make a night and day difference, but when added to all of the above, it will contribute to improved steering and tracking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Plano IL
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I will say this....I changed mine to roller
I had an issue with the roller bearings out there from the Vette suppliers
The shoulder at the rear of the inside bearing - the shoulder lip is too side
The wheel seal would not seat with the bearing installed
I had to have both inner wheel bearings turned down
No issues since......
Just a FYI
I had an issue with the roller bearings out there from the Vette suppliers
The shoulder at the rear of the inside bearing - the shoulder lip is too side
The wheel seal would not seat with the bearing installed
I had to have both inner wheel bearings turned down
No issues since......
Just a FYI
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
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I have never purchased roller bearings from any of the Coevette vendors, so I can't comment on those.
I have always bought my roller bearings from Allied Bearing Sales in Los Angeles, CA and they have all been fine-------------------------also, they are a heck of a lot cheaper.
I have always bought my roller bearings from Allied Bearing Sales in Los Angeles, CA and they have all been fine-------------------------also, they are a heck of a lot cheaper.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,535
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From: Folsom CA
The Roller conversion really improves the ability of the front wheels to handle side loads, like high speed corners, no change in handling, they just last longer if side loaded.
John Z, great explanation of how to set bearing adjustment.
BCA used to make this conversion bearing but discontinued in the 90's due to low demand.
John Z, great explanation of how to set bearing adjustment.
BCA used to make this conversion bearing but discontinued in the 90's due to low demand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Middletown Ohio
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Watch out for where the bearings are manufactured.
Most today are crap out of china, but the prices are still high which gives an illusion of good quality
Some resellers previously had them made in Japan (good quality) or Germany (also good quality) but these are difficult to find.
From what I have seen the ones from most Corvette parts suppliers are from china.
Check with your local bearing supplier.
If you find some good ones please post where you got them.
Most today are crap out of china, but the prices are still high which gives an illusion of good quality
Some resellers previously had them made in Japan (good quality) or Germany (also good quality) but these are difficult to find.
From what I have seen the ones from most Corvette parts suppliers are from china.
Check with your local bearing supplier.
If you find some good ones please post where you got them.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
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These are the ones I've been buying from Allied. As can be seen, made in Japan.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Western Washington
I got some from Allied earlier this year and they had changed the outer bearing. It wasn't MBS and it had a different number. I called them and they said it was a bearing that they are making up for that application.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Middletown Ohio
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Bearings are specified by a specific dimensional/material system.
It it my understanding that if you use the 2 part numbers you will get the correct bearings. They are 909052R and 909067R.
If the supplier says they made up something in place of the original it is not the same.
They must be the same as the original or you will be in trouble.
Just my opinion.
It it my understanding that if you use the 2 part numbers you will get the correct bearings. They are 909052R and 909067R.
If the supplier says they made up something in place of the original it is not the same.
They must be the same as the original or you will be in trouble.
Just my opinion.