wheel bearings
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: boulogne buenos aires
wheel bearings
I think it´s time for me to change rear bearings as I feel some noise from the rear end...its not grinding noise but more like winding noise that starts to be more noticeable past 60-70 mph.
I need to know if the bearings are corvette specific? or if I get bearings in same size its ok? Can they be replaced or is it a pia job? I´m not willing to change the trailling arm assy, as they are ok.. and it means lot of cash for me to have them shipped to argentina.
Advise...
[B]
i´m also thinking on doing the fronts in the same moment...
I need to know if the bearings are corvette specific? or if I get bearings in same size its ok? Can they be replaced or is it a pia job? I´m not willing to change the trailling arm assy, as they are ok.. and it means lot of cash for me to have them shipped to argentina.
Advise...
[B]i´m also thinking on doing the fronts in the same moment...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,348
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
You have 2 options....
1. Drop off or send your trailing arms to have them replaced or:
2. Order new ones and send your old ones in as a core
Its not a simple matter of unbolting the spindles, the bearings are pressed in and the runout needs to be checked. Seeing that your in Argentina your options as far as local replacement may be limited.
The fronts are super easy, you can do those in your driveway....by yourself.
1. Drop off or send your trailing arms to have them replaced or:
2. Order new ones and send your old ones in as a core
Its not a simple matter of unbolting the spindles, the bearings are pressed in and the runout needs to be checked. Seeing that your in Argentina your options as far as local replacement may be limited.
The fronts are super easy, you can do those in your driveway....by yourself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Usually when bearings start to go they will rumble, not whine. Front bearings are an easy swap, I have a paper I wrote a while back with pictures if you need it I will be happy to send it. Check the differential yoke end play before you rip into this thing. The rear bearings require some setup to get them right, it includes spacers and shims. Once its back together as Jim says the runout will need to be checked and corrected.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 37
From: Green Bay Wisconsin
Hello,
Jack the rear of the car up and grab ahold of the rear wheel and check for play in the bearing. Example: Push top of tire while pulling bottom of tire and vise versa. If the bearing has no play in it you can buy a grease tool here.
http://www.volvette.com/TL10.html
You must remove the half shafts, insert the tool, tighten down the castle nut on the tool, attach grease gun pump a few times and spin wheel, pump a few more. Remove tool and reassemble half shafts.
If you already have play in the bearing it is too late and time to spend some $$.
Also while you have the car in the air you might as well change the differential fluid (I did).
Douglas in Green Bay
Jack the rear of the car up and grab ahold of the rear wheel and check for play in the bearing. Example: Push top of tire while pulling bottom of tire and vise versa. If the bearing has no play in it you can buy a grease tool here.
http://www.volvette.com/TL10.html
You must remove the half shafts, insert the tool, tighten down the castle nut on the tool, attach grease gun pump a few times and spin wheel, pump a few more. Remove tool and reassemble half shafts.
If you already have play in the bearing it is too late and time to spend some $$.
Also while you have the car in the air you might as well change the differential fluid (I did).
Douglas in Green Bay
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: boulogne buenos aires
Did some check yesterday, jack up the car. I moved the wheel, It has about 3mm play on each side... but its not wheel play but its play in the complete assy. It moves from the front trailing arm bushing to the half shaft entering the differential. The same in both wheels...
Is this ok? I have access to the machinery to do the work, as I have this friend who is mechanic and on saturdays he is working on his boat project, so I can go there and use the tools and he also helps me out on the difficult parts. So With the right stuff is it possible to get it through? Consider that If I order the complete bearing assy for me it would be no less than 1.8k to have them here after shipping and taxes....
Is this ok? I have access to the machinery to do the work, as I have this friend who is mechanic and on saturdays he is working on his boat project, so I can go there and use the tools and he also helps me out on the difficult parts. So With the right stuff is it possible to get it through? Consider that If I order the complete bearing assy for me it would be no less than 1.8k to have them here after shipping and taxes....
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
With the car off the ground, unbolt the half shaft at the differential and pull the differential yoke (the part the half shaft is bolted to on the differential) in and out. How much does it move? If it is more than 0.040" (1mm) it is time to rebuild the differential.