From a Joe Padavano post about Replacement parts "quality" from back in 2016....... I have questions. I'm getting ready to go through the brakes on my almost 48,000 mile 1972 Cutlass 442. I have collected NOS GM/Delphi parts over the years. I have new shoes/pads, both front hoses, rear wheel cylinders and a non GM rear hose! I'm going to have the drums and rotors turned and will re-pack the bearings and put new grease seals in the front. Rear, I'll drain the fluid, add new and a couple bottles of anti-slip additive.

Joe Padavano was concerned about replacement parts 9 years ago, I guess I should still be worried? I'm figuring on using the original bearings and re-packing them and adding new inner and outer seals ( I guess there are both). Where can I get seals that are good as the originals. Any particular brand. I've seen some good comments about Timken. I'd figure the bearings will be good and have read on this site about a member having issues with new bearings.

I haven't messed with old style GM brakes in years,

Any comments, information are welcome.

OLE442

 

The seals are basically to keep the dust out and the grease in, any brand will work. You can even reuse the old ones if you remove the front bearing, reinstall the nut and then pull the drum dragging the rear bearing and seal out with the nut. If the bearings look burnt or are pitted don’t reuse the old ones. I use Timken bearings and races. If you cut the drums only remove the amount of metal to true them. I only replace the parts that are worn out.

 

I use Timken, National, or SKF. All are top brands. All are likely made offshore these days anyway. Never had a problem.

 

I tec’d the Timken front wheel bearings and seals from Summit and will start on the brakes shortly! Thanks to all for the input and info!

OLE442