Wheel Bearing
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Wheel Bearing
My left rear wheel bearing has gone out on my 1981 Corvette. A local mechanic has told me that its better to buy a new complete axel (wheel) assembly instead of buying a new wheel bearing (also said there was 2 of them-and inner and outer?) because it would be very labor intensive to replace just the wheel bearing. Is this guy blowing smoke up my shorts, or do I really need to spend $400 plus to replace the wheel bearing? Any and all comments/thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Matthew
Thanks, Matthew
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Do you know how hard it would be to replace the wheel bearing? A good buddy of mine owns a shop, so I would have a shop that I could do it at, but are there certain tools that I would need for such a project?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
C2/C3 rear bearings are unique in configuration and unlike any other car that your buddy probably knows, or have proper assembly or set up tools for. You don't want him 'learning' on yours or trying to improvise by using tools on hand.
The end play/clearance of the bearings is critical to good reliability and longevity.
The end play/clearance of the bearings is critical to good reliability and longevity.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Its extremely difficult if you have no experience with them. You need about $500 worth of special service tools and a good knowledge of mechanics in general, and there is still a big learning curve because they are unlike any other car I have ever seen. Don't expect the average mechanic to have a clue. Also, if they aren't done exactly right, they won't last. Got you scared yet?
If you have a lot of mechanical aptitude, access to a complete shop, don't mind buying some special tools, and are a hands on type of guy, and have better than average mechanical aptitiude, you can do it. Otherwise pull the entire trailing arm and send it off to someone who does them all the time. You'll be much better off.
If you have a lot of mechanical aptitude, access to a complete shop, don't mind buying some special tools, and are a hands on type of guy, and have better than average mechanical aptitiude, you can do it. Otherwise pull the entire trailing arm and send it off to someone who does them all the time. You'll be much better off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
If someone told you $400 installed on the car they either didn't know what they were talking about or they're doing you a huge favor. You're best off parking the car until you can obtain a set of rebuilt trailing arms; there are many vendors out there so just shop around for the best deal. Also, unless you're a fairly competent mechanic the job of swapping out the trailing arm assemblies can be easily over one's head. Keep us on the forum posted and you'll get lots of good advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
these are exchange units, quality work >>http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1892
and yes, do both at the same time.
and yes, do both at the same time.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 423
Likes: 7
From: Utah
I just did both of mine by myself and it was one of the more difficult and time consuming things I've done so far (except the rear wheel well carpets). If they die on me, I'm having them done by someone else while I sit in my pool and drink beer. It was a good experience, but not my favorite.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,878
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
1. Call VanSteel (Tell them you're a Forum member for 10% off)
2. Wait on UPS to deliver them
3. Bolt them on.
4. Drive the car- and you won't have ever worry about the rear wheel bearings again.
Richard
2. Wait on UPS to deliver them
3. Bolt them on.
4. Drive the car- and you won't have ever worry about the rear wheel bearings again.
Richard
