Trailing arm assembly or just wheel bearings
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro tn
Trailing arm assembly or just wheel bearings
I need to replace my rear wheel bearing and from what I have read it seems to be quite a chore. I was thinking about buying the trailing arms from van steel and noticed they sell just the bearing assembly (pn BAR-42-L and BAR-42-R)
what would the advantages/ disadvantages of just replacing the bearing assembly
what would the advantages/ disadvantages of just replacing the bearing assembly
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
just changing the wheel bearings will of course save some $$$, but,
you will have to remove and replace parking brake shoe assy. which can be a PIA, and you will have to do rotor runout, unless it comes with those already matched. and sometimes removing the bearing assy. off the studs on the TA, can be troublesome.., and you wont have to mess with alignment on the other hand replacing the TA assy. it will cost more, but its a bolt in, you will have to remove shock mount, rear spring mount,and you will probably have to get an alignment done. i'm considering this decision right now on my 79, the rear bearings are pretty loose, not making any noise yet, but it only time, they have about 80k on them. good luck.
you will have to remove and replace parking brake shoe assy. which can be a PIA, and you will have to do rotor runout, unless it comes with those already matched. and sometimes removing the bearing assy. off the studs on the TA, can be troublesome.., and you wont have to mess with alignment on the other hand replacing the TA assy. it will cost more, but its a bolt in, you will have to remove shock mount, rear spring mount,and you will probably have to get an alignment done. i'm considering this decision right now on my 79, the rear bearings are pretty loose, not making any noise yet, but it only time, they have about 80k on them. good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
While you're at it....
- you might want to consider a completely new rear suspension because you'll have the trailing arms off
- then you might want to think about doing the front suspension too, since you wouldn't want a new rear suspension without upgrading the front because it would be "off balance"
- since it would be up on stands for a while, why not throw a new brake system in there - those stock ones are pretty old...
- with a new suspension, why not get a new engine too. Your new suspension can handle the new power now...
This is how I got started when I went to replace the cotter pin on my rear disk pads...
- you might want to consider a completely new rear suspension because you'll have the trailing arms off
- then you might want to think about doing the front suspension too, since you wouldn't want a new rear suspension without upgrading the front because it would be "off balance"
- since it would be up on stands for a while, why not throw a new brake system in there - those stock ones are pretty old...
- with a new suspension, why not get a new engine too. Your new suspension can handle the new power now...
This is how I got started when I went to replace the cotter pin on my rear disk pads...
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
did mine on 75 ,had a hard time but after a day of doing some math , it was ok but as always as everyone says, a PITA, and this coming from an ex funny car mechanic for 22 years , still cant get my marriage right but then again that is why I have a 4 car garage with a loud stereo HAHAHAHAHAH.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I need to replace my rear wheel bearing and from what I have read it seems to be quite a chore. I was thinking about buying the trailing arms from van steel and noticed they sell just the bearing assembly (pn BAR-42-L and BAR-42-R)
what would the advantages/ disadvantages of just replacing the bearing assembly
what would the advantages/ disadvantages of just replacing the bearing assembly
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands TX
I just had the same, 'while I am at it' and went ahead and bit the high priced bulled of new complete offset TA assemblies from Vansteele. They weren't cheap, but they sure are pretty. I see them as peace of mind and I am done with all that hard work for a while.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
While you're at it....
- you might want to consider a completely new rear suspension because you'll have the trailing arms off
- then you might want to think about doing the front suspension too, since you wouldn't want a new rear suspension without upgrading the front because it would be "off balance"
- since it would be up on stands for a while, why not throw a new brake system in there - those stock ones are pretty old...
- with a new suspension, why not get a new engine too. Your new suspension can handle the new power now...
This is how I got started when I went to replace the cotter pin on my rear disk pads...
- you might want to consider a completely new rear suspension because you'll have the trailing arms off
- then you might want to think about doing the front suspension too, since you wouldn't want a new rear suspension without upgrading the front because it would be "off balance"
- since it would be up on stands for a while, why not throw a new brake system in there - those stock ones are pretty old...
- with a new suspension, why not get a new engine too. Your new suspension can handle the new power now...
This is how I got started when I went to replace the cotter pin on my rear disk pads...
Except for doing the front suspension, and engine, this exactly what I did. I got my T/A's from Bair's on Monday and should have this project wrapped up by this weekend. The entire rear suspension from the driveline back was rebuilt/replaced with new parts and bushings. I spent a lot of time cleaning and painting the undercarriage while I was at it. I'm into this timewise about 2 months. Mind you, I took my time and wasn't in a hurry.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fla
bearings
The best method is as mentioned earlier replace as an assembly it is a lot easier unless you are determined to be a do it yourselfer.Van Steel has been around as long as I can remember and there are others out there who also offer what Van Steel does.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
did mine on 75 ,had a hard time but after a day of doing some math , it was ok but as always as everyone says, a PITA, and this coming from an ex funny car mechanic for 22 years , still cant get my marriage right but then again that is why I have a 4 car garage with a loud stereo HAHAHAHAHAH.....
