The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 57 rear end bearing n seal update?

I'm running throught the 57 chevy truck axle that is in my 53 truck and was wonder about the axle bearings and seals...Bearings are acutually in not bad shape, but of course want to put in new seals. Is there a better bearing or a sealed bearing commonly used or??? The seals say national on them but no part number. Just curious if anone has already done htis or if should hit the bearing books.
thanks Hans

If you have the C washer kind that the axle rides on the brg. take a good look at the axle for pits. If it looks good & the brg looks good you can use them. You can go over the axle surface with some real fine emery cloth. The only alternative brg is one that rides on a different part of the axle in case the axle surface is scored. The seal should be available at any parts store. National usually has the part # on the seal also.

If the seals say national they have been replaced before. Hit the books for current numbers. There may be sealed bearings that will work, but today's seals are much better than they were 50 years ago, and the original design generally works.

Devin

There is some minor pitting in the axles themselves which I don't like, but not too bad. The axle made it from Texas to Bonnevile last year under the 57 panel truck with a camper grafted to the top...and now in my 53 truck. wouldn't mind a replacement riding on a new area of axle.

The conversion brgs are listed in the catalog now. At one time they were only available at some specialty parts places. Your parts store should be able to look them up but I will look up the part # when I get to the shop tomorrow. I,ve never had to use one but the concept seems good.

The bearings are Hyatt OR1502. Timken has a crossover bearing that I can find if I search using the GM part number 111121 and gives a Timken number of R1502EL . I can't find any specs on the bearing though and it doesn't come up if you search that number through the general Timken search which has all the specs. I assume this is a direct replacement, not a repair bearing. I cleaned the National seal very well and no part numbers, just their name and pat.pend.

The catalog shows the R1502EL rear wheel brgs. for 48-62 trucks. It takes seal # Nationl brand 414045. It doesn't show the repair brg. for that model. It starts in 63. Sorry.

thanks for the effort, this will get me what I need. much appreciated. hans