Third Arm Bearing
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,003
Likes: 1,509
From: Prescott Arizona
In the 6 months following the purchase of my 61 Vette in late 2008, which was a decent driver when bought, I wound up taking care of a number of items and at that time replaced the tie rod ends and third arm bearing. I almost always inquire about the country of origin when buying bearings but for some reason, that question skipped my mind and I received an offshore bearing. Obviously I couldn't inpsect the inner portion of it and can only report on what the fit and finish was on the exterior but it looked fine and when manually moved, it felt quite snug so it's been in my 61 ever since which really only amounts to maybe a thousand or two miles but I have reached in to see if there's any excessive play and found none. We recently moved into a rental here in Prescott AZ and can't dig up the paperwork but considering I have typically dealt with Paragon or Zip and on occasion Corvette Central, it came from one of them.
Mike T.
Mike T.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 167
From: Western Washington
Thanks, I called Zip and theirs was from China. Paragon was closed when I tried to call. I tried Napa to no avail and a local bearing retailer is checking to see what they get. Was hoping to get American but might not be able to, pretty sad.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 104
Likes: 8
I just purchased one from CC and unfortunately it was China also. 
I understand you pain and feel the same way about brake parts and paid dearly for NOS .
MAC
I understand you pain and feel the same way about brake parts and paid dearly for NOS .MAC
Last edited by macdabs; May 21, 2014 at 04:33 AM. Reason: SPELLING
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 15
From: Viera Florida
Here are some photos of an New Departure - Hyatt bearing that I purchased in the '70's from Chevy. The part number on the box
( 5506 ) crosses over to 5206KSE. Their is a listing on flea-bay for that bearing. They are ( 7 available ) Bower / Federal Mogul - Made-In-USA bearings. I bought one just to have an USA made extra. Here is the listing # 271331249268 . Sorry for the large photos, that is how they uploaded.
Mods: I am in no way involved in the sale of these bearings.
( 5506 ) crosses over to 5206KSE. Their is a listing on flea-bay for that bearing. They are ( 7 available ) Bower / Federal Mogul - Made-In-USA bearings. I bought one just to have an USA made extra. Here is the listing # 271331249268 . Sorry for the large photos, that is how they uploaded.
Mods: I am in no way involved in the sale of these bearings.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This bearing doesn't see much action, right? I mean, it should probably last forever, correct?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,498
Likes: 810
From: East Central Florida
FYI, here's a tool menagerie I made years ago to pull these beasts. Don't laugh at my Home Depot electric box. It fits perfect over the bearing housing.
Looks hoakey but it works great.
It's a modification of the Joe Calgano puller, but with less fabrication. See rarecorvettes.com
Rich
p.s. If anyone wants the plans I can draw something up pretty quick.
Last edited by rich5962; May 22, 2014 at 06:30 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 1,056
From: Arlington TX
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 Restomod of the Year Finalist
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Not really Norm....They get wet from the foam seal deteriorating. last one I did on a '59 was seriously pitted inside.
FYI, here's a tool menagerie I made years ago to pull these beasts. Don't laugh at my Home Depot electric box. It fits perfect over the bearing housing.
Looks hoakey but it works great.
Rich
p.s. If anyone wants the plans I can draw something up pretty quick.
FYI, here's a tool menagerie I made years ago to pull these beasts. Don't laugh at my Home Depot electric box. It fits perfect over the bearing housing.
Looks hoakey but it works great.
Rich
p.s. If anyone wants the plans I can draw something up pretty quick.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,498
Likes: 810
From: East Central Florida
It's a modification of the Joe Calgano puller, but with less fabrication. See rarecorvettes.com
I could loan this POS sad looking tool out for cost of USPS postage if requested, with a sincere promise to get it back.
Rich
I could loan this POS sad looking tool out for cost of USPS postage if requested, with a sincere promise to get it back.
Rich
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,003
Likes: 1,509
From: Prescott Arizona
Rich - Clever setup with the coupling nuts, I'm all for adding to my tool bin so yes please, if you could, I'd like to see your sketch and info on your third arm bearing puller.
Thanks,
Mike T.
Thanks,
Mike T.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 867
Likes: 260
From: Hinesville, GA & Oswego, NY
Bearing puller
When I replaced my third arm bearing I welded a nut that fit the bolt in the center of the bearing to a nut that fit on my slide hammer, screwed the nut on the slide hammer and the bearing was out with one pop of the slide hammer.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,498
Likes: 810
From: East Central Florida
......edit. What's a "feder"? (Did you mean "fender"?) I had to weld a fine thread nut to that course thread coupler. I was going to make up something like you said for my slide hammer, but opted for this instead.Rich
Last edited by rich5962; May 25, 2014 at 06:32 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,498
Likes: 810
From: East Central Florida
Here's a list of the parts for the puller. HD has most pieces, and you'll need to weld the course thread coupler to the fine thread nut.
NO PDF s/w here so I had to revert to the pen 'n paper method.
Rich
p.s. hmmm, wonder if Dave Z is watching?
NO PDF s/w here so I had to revert to the pen 'n paper method.
Rich
p.s. hmmm, wonder if Dave Z is watching?
Last edited by rich5962; May 25, 2014 at 05:52 PM. Reason: fixed pic, not hex box, 8 sided(octagonal)
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,632
Likes: 4,683
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
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I just bought 3 of the bearings. If someone wants one, I THINK there are 2-3 left.
These are the type of parts that are either difficult to find, or very expensive to buy once they are discontinued, or no longer available as a USA made part. So I'd suggest getting one and putting it on the shelf (and I already have 4 on the shelf).
Oh ya, and the Ebay price for these bearings? It's as good as you will find.
These are the type of parts that are either difficult to find, or very expensive to buy once they are discontinued, or no longer available as a USA made part. So I'd suggest getting one and putting it on the shelf (and I already have 4 on the shelf).
Oh ya, and the Ebay price for these bearings? It's as good as you will find.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,632
Likes: 4,683
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
I just checked on Ebay---------------------ALL THE BEARINGS ARE SOLD!
But I'd suggest to check JUST TO MAKE SURE. MAYBE SOMEONE DIDN'T PAY FOR THEIRS.
As they say, the early bird gets the worm!
But I'd suggest to check JUST TO MAKE SURE. MAYBE SOMEONE DIDN'T PAY FOR THEIRS.
As they say, the early bird gets the worm!