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| | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 105 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 105 | getting ready to replace the front wheel bearings on my 54 to roller bearings from the original ball bearings. what advantages is it going to give me in handling? will it keep it from being so squirrelly? i've got radial tires one and sometimes it wants to wonder a bit. course it just be the nature of the beast. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | If your ball bearings are in good condition and properly adjusted there will be no difference in handling at all.
Do you know the wheel bearings are bad?
Have you checked the king pins, tie rod ends and the drag link? Have you checked to be sure the wheels are straight? All these are far more likely to cause squirrelly than wheel bearings.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 | Wheel bearings have very little bearing on handling. Loose steering box, drag link, and tie rod will cause it to road walk. Also alignment such as toe in, caster and camber will effect steering. Loose king pins will affect tire ware more than handling. When everything is right, they steer pretty good. Most 55 year old vehicles have a lot of wear and follow the low spots of the road and get blown around by the wind. Constantly correcting while driving was just a part of driving. The bottom line is, if you want it to steer well, don't expect just one item, especially bearings, to help. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 105 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 105 | i didn't figure they would do much. just wanting to start looking somewhere. how do i tell if the kingpins are worn? when i grab the tire and rock it top and bottom there isn't much play in it. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 |
How much isn't much?
Do you have original-style, adjustable tie rod ends? Have you checked their adjustment.
I have a tight, original-style parts, front-end on my Suburban. It cruises straight (no wandering) at 65 mph (with high-profile LT radial tires).
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