As you know, I'm working on a non-stock replacement for our bearings.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1552588

But a lot of Corvette drivers have to run the stock unit. So, I decided to find out why the stock wheel bearing are so bad. Especially when taking a car to the track. I took one apart, and look what I found.



Single lip seals, which melt at track temperatures, and can't hold the pressure of the gas created when the grease heats up. The failure lets the gas pressure out, but more importantly they fail again when they cool down letting not just gas in but contaminants, and PLASTIC wheel bearing cages?!?!? Of course as soon as they melt the ball bearings grind against each other, and the bearing is toast.


Well that's the bad news, the good news is that the seals are easy enough to get, but you destroy the plastic cage in the process of taking it apart.

So, if I can find a replacement bearing that fits, preferably with a steel cage. We can turn them into something that's rebuildable. Fortunately I've got a friend who's been a race engineer for years, has plenty of sources, and has gone through this already with BMW cassette bearings. ( same design style )

If owners replace their seals after every event, which we should be doing but can't currently. These bearings, despite being placed to close together, should last a long time.

BTW Way cheaper than a new one, or my heavy duty design. I'll save that for people who can afford the custom pieces.

 

Yeah, just like they used timing chain sprokets with nylon teeth on pre '86 cars.

 

Thank you Brian. I think we will all rest better knowing that a critical component can be rebuilt inexpensively and to a better condition than stock. Some of GM's parts are getting hard to find and even more expensive as the cars get older. Keep up the innovation.

 

Really appreciate the research...

 

ttt for the day crew

 

Maybe I've been in a cave too long, but do I understand that you have redesigned our wheel bearings and they are for sale? Anything would be better than the oem bearings.

 

I've got the redesign done. But with all the custom parts, it's really better suited for track cars. (+$500/corner) If the stock ones can be rebuilt better, then not only will it cost a lot less, but they'll also last a lot longer.

The races are too close together on the stock units, which is why I went with a redesign, but that's not why they're failing in most cases. The seals are going. As soon as they fail, contaminants get in and ruin your day. This is true even on NASCAR style hubs. At the end of the race they take all the corners apart and change the seals. The good news is that the seals are only $2.

It's like never changing the oil on your car and expecting the engine to last!

 

What is the dimensions of the stock bearings?

Can't they be replaced with roller beraings if the dimensions are the same?

 

We're looking into it, but tapered roller bearings really need more separation to work right. But they are available as a cassette ( pic for reference only )

 

Update:
My friend got the outer race out of the case.


Of course the manufacturer didn't bother to put number on it.

So, measurements need to be taken and phone calls made.