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I am having to replace the right wheel bearing assembly on my 79'. Do I need to, or is it suggested that I also replace the left? 66K miles never been replaced on either side.
Thanks in advance for suggestions and input.
If your doing the front, I would do them in pairs. Its a fairly easy repair, and then you know that they were both done at the same time, and what condition they are in.
Like 4-Vettes said, its a 40 year old car. You may not know when the last time that was done.
I bought a right rear assembly from Zip back in February, very happy with it, lead time was a little long, but with the way things are now, I didn't complain, I'll do the left rear when time and budget allow.
As already mentioned. Fronts, not so bad to replace. Rears are PITA. Replaced the driver side rear on my 70 that i used to have, and the passenger side started squeaking not too long after that. If you can replace in pairs, that would probably be ideal. You can check for excessive play in the wheels as well. When those buggers start to go south, there are usually some pretty good tell-tell signs noise, excessive heat when touching the wheel after driving, excessive play in the wheel when jacked up off the ground (or on a two post lift).
I had warnings before mine gave out.. squeaking when turning a corner or on low speed sweeping turn. My solution was to turn the stereo up louder until the sound went way. And it did, especially when it gave out and the wheel locked. Just a dumb kid back then. I learned my lesson that day to not put off stuff like that. When I pulled over and touched the rear rim, it was flaming hot. It amazing how much heat metal on metal can produce quickly...
Last edited by Corvette-ZL1; Jun 29, 2022 at 06:51 PM.
40 plus year old car. Never been done. grease in there just can't be all that good anymore.
Me I'd be doing all 4 wheels.
This is correct. The original grease used back in the 60's & 70's is probably dried out or possibly gone. If the rear bearings are original, you should service both sides and be done with it. Now there are literally dozens of rebuilder options out there, the quality level is sure not uniform so you should do some research on it. Maybe it's something you can do depending on your experience level and training. I have taught many around the world not only how to do them but how to build the best. If you're doing one car, have limited tools or time, then that is not a viable option. If you have direct question, feel free to reach out to me and I will walk you through them
This is correct. The original grease used back in the 60's & 70's is probably dried out or possibly gone. If the rear bearings are original, you should service both sides and be done with it. Now there are literally dozens of rebuilder options out there, the quality level is sure not uniform so you should do some research on it. Maybe it's something you can do depending on your experience level and training. I have taught many around the world not only how to do them but how to build the best. If you're doing one car, have limited tools or time, then that is not a viable option. If you have direct question, feel free to reach out to me and I will walk you through them
just send this guy the trailing arm assys. get them done correctly.
These are the inner rings of the outer front bearings from my '81. 103,000 miles. The grease pack between the bearings was dry and cracked although the grease at the rolling elements was still fluid. I replaced everything and it's like a new car.
Wheel Bearing Assembly
