The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '37 1/2 Ton bearings and brake shoes

Finally getting started on the brakes. I have removed the master and wheel cylinders. Now I have questions.

I will be rebuilding all of the cylinders.

Question #1: The brake shoes still have some good meat on them. Any concerns about using them after sitting for 45 years?

Question #2: Bearings. They appear to be in great shape. No rust or anything. The grease that was in there appears to have turned into a "gel". Can the bearing be cleaned and greased and reused? If replaced, I am considering newer style roller bearings. Any concerns with the roller bearings? Where would you buy bearings?

You can clean the bearings and inspect them. there should be no pitting or rough spots where the balls run in the race. I clean all the grease out I can with a rag. Next I use a small tin and put each bearing assembly in separately. I use some varsol or equivalent and swirl the tin around so the bearing spins inside. This removes all the remaining grease.

When I do my 38 Master brakes, I will have the shoes relined. The lining is brand new from 35 years ago but I don't trust it. I also like the idea of there not being any asbestos in the newer lining material.

Thanks Trucker.

The bearings look incredible. According to Dad, it is possible that the brakes and bearings were done right after the truck was parked in '69.

Question: What modern grease is recommended for the wheel bearings? What do the 'bolters use here?

Basically I buy a cup of grease that has a high temp rating and one that is approved for vehicles with disc brakes. What I'm using now is a yellowish color and you can save a couple bucks by using the store brand. Been doing it for 50 years.