Trailing arm and bearing inspection
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 63
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From: Newnan Ga.
Trailing arm and bearing inspection
I'm in the process of removing rear suspension on my 75. Left side trailing arm off car now. Bushing is completely shot but my big question is how can I tell if bearing is in need of replacement? I do believe it is original to car but there doesn't seem to have any play one way or the other. When I turn the hub I hear no noise to speak of but it just seems like more of a resistance feel. Thanks in advance for any input on this.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Newnan Ga.
Well I am going to replace them,it's just that years ago I had an alignment shop tell me they couldn't do rear alignment because rear wheel bearings were bad, but I don't think they are. Maybe dried up grease but probably not bad. Yep, gonna order me two from Vansteel
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
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From: Moyock NC
I am going to be pulling my arms off to replace the bushings but I was not planning on messing with the bearings because my rotors still have the rivets in place. From what I have read is you do not want to drill out the rivets because then you will have to worry about run out issues.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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I am going to be pulling my arms off to replace the bushings but I was not planning on messing with the bearings because my rotors still have the rivets in place. From what I have read is you do not want to drill out the rivets because then you will have to worry about run out issues.
The bearings should be inspected every 30-40K miles.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
Then I will be sure to check them. Is there a way to replace the emergency brake shoes without drilling the rivets? I don't see how there would be but then again I was thinking you needed to do so to change the bearings.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Pull the spindle and rotor as a single piece. Rebuild parking brake. Inspect/replace bearings. Reassemble.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Seattle Washington
Keep in mind that inspecting or replacing the Bearings is not at all like the Fronts. It requires special Tools and the know how to do it. That is why people like Van Steel and others offer rebuilding service and exchange service. If You feel that what You have is OK You may want to just Grease them and leave them be. There is a Greasing adapter available to force some grease in there. There is also a way to install a Zerk. However both methods are best used for peace of mind, as it is highly doubtful that any of the new grease will actually find a Bearing. If You want every thing new, then complete rebuilt Trailing Arms are available, but you will spend a lot on shipping two directions. The Bearing assemblies are not that difficult to remove from the Arms.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Newnan Ga.
I am going to be pulling my arms off to replace the bushings but I was not planning on messing with the bearings because my rotors still have the rivets in place. From what I have read is you do not want to drill out the rivets because then you will have to worry about run out issues.