Trailing Arm Bearing Shims
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 11
From: Kennesaw GA
Trailing Arm Bearing Shims
I am in the process of restoring the frame of my 68. I took the trailing arms apart today and I'm trying to determine if my bearings are original or if they have been replaced. The bearings look good with no discoloration. It was a low mileage car when I got it in the mid 80's and I have only put about 1000 miles on it. When I removed the inner bearings both sides had two shims, one steel shim and one thin brass shim. Did the factory use brass shims or did someone replace the bearings at some point?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
What are the markings on the bearings & races? If they are marked NDH (New Departure Hyatt), they might be original. I don't know if the factory used multiple shims in their setup. I have a bunch of leftover shims, I'll have to check if any of them are brass.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Someone has been in there . I have NEVER seen 2 shims used....especially brass...which is pointless. The coned spacer and shim are all that is required. Timken bearing are not factory for that year...or at least i have never seen Timken's in a factory trailing arm/bearing set-up.
DUB
DUB
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 11
From: Kennesaw GA
I thought it was strange that someone would use a brass shim because of it being a soft metal. It makes sense that they were replaced because they don't look worn to me. Play was .002 on the left side and .003 on the right. Hope I can set it back up that close. I suppose it would be best to use new bearings and shims now that I'm this far along.
