replace bearings?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
replace bearings?
Ok...Now that I'm finally starting my front brakes project, I was curious about something else. Is it necessary to replace the front bearings, or is that just optional? Price isn't a problem here, I just want to know if it's something that's more necessary or something that's just a good idea, since everything else will pretty much be new.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Sure great idea, if everything else is new and money is not an issue, why ask? 
I would change them if I didn't know how long it's been since they were installed. Certainly will increase your comfort level knowing their new!!
I would change them if I didn't know how long it's been since they were installed. Certainly will increase your comfort level knowing their new!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
If you already have everything off it is a lot easier to replace the bearings now if they need it. If the bearings and races are good you can just repack them and install new seals. I went ahead and replaced mine (with Timken) when I replaced the rotors and pads because they were the originals with 110,000 miles on them and I didn't want to chance having to go back and tear everything down again. Bearings aren't that expensive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Bearings aren't that expensive (especially the China-made ones), but the quality of some bearings is questionable. I would remove the present bearings and put them in solvent to remove all of the grease. Then check them carefully for any wear in the bearing races (scuffing, pitting, etc.) or similar problems on any rollers. If none, you are probably better off re-packing them with grease and sticking them back in. But that's just me......
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Bearings aren't that expensive (especially the China-made ones), but the quality of some bearings is questionable. I would remove the present bearings and put them in solvent to remove all of the grease. Then check them carefully for any wear in the bearing races (scuffing, pitting, etc.) or similar problems on any rollers. If none, you are probably better off re-packing them with grease and sticking them back in. But that's just me......
If they made it this far there better than most out there at a auto parts store.
Last edited by spedaleden; Mar 20, 2008 at 09:08 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
If it ain't broke don't fix it. It's not that big a job when it needs done and they are not the kind of thing that will leve you stranded.
They will make noise before they fail completely.
They will make noise before they fail completely.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
Bearings aren't that expensive (especially the China-made ones), but the quality of some bearings is questionable. I would remove the present bearings and put them in solvent to remove all of the grease. Then check them carefully for any wear in the bearing races (scuffing, pitting, etc.) or similar problems on any rollers. If none, you are probably better off re-packing them with grease and sticking them back in. But that's just me......
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
I'll agree with the seals needing to be replaced, but if there is no pitting, glazing (frosted look), or damage in the races or on the rollers, there is really no reason to replace them. You already know they will live in the application...and for a long time. Until some surface damage is initiated, they are no worse than new bearings [and probably better than most of the ones we can buy through these aftermarket outfits]. Having a "good" brand name is no longer a good guarantee of quality.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
I agree with replacement. When I replaced my front brakes, I decided that it was easier to replace the bearings while everything else was off the car. I figured that it was one more thing that I didn't have to worry about.