68442Convertible

I am working on the front brakes, and wondering if I should replace the wheel bearings. Car has 100k miles. I have service receipts since about 1990, and don't have one for front wheel bearings. The bearings are stamped NDH, and might be original. I have taken both sides apart and the bearings look OK to me - nothing obvious - but I am no expert. I checked for free play before I took them apart and there was none.

Even if they look OK, it would seem that they must be worn.

RROLDSX

If you are not concerned about money, I would replace them. If you
are concerned if they positively need replacing the will need to be cleaned then check the rollers for blueing then check the races in place for any scoring or discolouring. Do not spin them with air blast while cleaning. Once cleaned and checked, repack with proper grease. A greasy job regardless.

oldcutlass

If you don't think they have been replaced for a long time or never, I would replace them. Don't forget to get and replace the races also.

68442Convertible

I cleaned one set carefully and examined under a magnifier. Looks OK. But I suspect that these are original, so probably should be changed anyway.

oldcutlass

Is there wear in the race that's in the hub?

68442Convertible

They are dull (vs shiny) with very fine scratches. The spindles are the same.

oldcutlass

I'd change all of it. Then take the old parts and stick them in the new parts boxes to save for posterity. I recommend Timken bearings/ races and a good quality seal.

RROLDSX

Make sure you use wheel bearing grease and not a graphite chassis grease.

Run to Rund

They are cheap, get new ones. You can't really inspect the inner race because of the rollers in the way, and the inner race would have more wear than the outer.

2blu442

I've struggled with this myself. The old stuff is made in USA, but so much of the new stuff is made in China, including Timken. So.... I can make an argument either way if the used parts still look good. John

redoldsman

X2 John. I would rather have good used USA made than brand new Chineseum.

Octania

x3

if it ain't broke...

They generally give a lot of warning before utter demise

oldcutlass

I have not had any issues with Timken no matter where they are made. I'd rather be safe than sorry. A wheel bearing failure sometimes leads to more damage than just the bearing.

Fun71

Most of the Timken bearings I have bought were made in Japan, which I think are excellent quality parts. Anything made in China or India I would avoid, though. The country of manufacture should be on the bearings.

Rocketowner

If you didn't find any silver particles in the grease when you cleaned and inspected them ,especially (under a magnifying glass) I think you could safely replace them without any problems. I know I've seen shiny (chrome looking pigments of metal in the grease) on many instances. Larry

Ozzie

x4. Do a thorough inspection. If ALL is good, repack correctly with the correct grease, use the correct pre-load, and they should work correctly. If anything is amiss, replace parts as needed with the best quality you can find. I have an old vehicle with 400K miles on the original bearings/races.

68442Convertible

Thanks for the input. Speaking of grease, I found this on the shelf. Looks OK, but I decided to get a new can of Valvoline synthetic.

Ozzie

GOOD DECISION! Use the Protecto on something besides wheel bearings. The last time I tried to use some it broke down in service. Fortunately I found it before damage was done.

68442Convertible

I carefully inspected the second set of bearings and found a few shiny silver particles on the outer bearing. So I think I will replace.

What local auto parts store sells Timken? Or do I have to order them?

oldcutlass

All of the local parts stores here sell them.

Rocketowner

Glad you were able to detect the shiny particles in the grease because that is a sure sign of trouble when dealing with "Questionable" wheel bearings. Go with Timken bearings and a good brand of synthetic wheel bearing grease, and you can forget about them for a very long time. Good luck, Larry

droldsmorland

Call BDI Inc. and ask for non-offshore non chineasium junk. They are a lousy $12 more for all 10 pieces over the junk... seals, races n bearings shipped to your door. Why they dont give you the choice when you call is a major peeve!
If the OEMs inspect OK repack and reuse. You wont find better metal than OEM from the factory. Id rather gamble with 40 year old serviceable bearings verses risking new chineasium JUNK!