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#71362 01/08/2007 9:34 PM | Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 | I got the front end kit from Chevy Duty. It's complete, but has ball bearings. I was wondering if there were pros and or cons of switching to tapered. Logic tells me they're better because they're on new cars, but I don't know why. Any help?
Thanks,
Jason
Your lack of preparation is not my emergency
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#71363 01/08/2007 9:50 PM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | not better, just different  the tapered rollers are preferable if you switch to disc brakes, but the ball bearings work fine [if not overtightened or too loose], and in fact are still used on some pretty high dollar machines Bill | | |
#71364 01/08/2007 10:12 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | I think that tapered rollers are better and can take larger side loads (cornering). I believe that with todays grooved roads, tappered will be more stable and last longer. The surface area on a roller vs. ball bearing is much greater which allows it greater loads. The taper is what will give you more stability with side loads. | | |
#71365 01/08/2007 11:30 PM | Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 | I did get the disc kit. I'm keeping the original suspension, though, so I don't think side loads are gonna be too much of a problem. lol
Thanks,
Jason
Your lack of preparation is not my emergency
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#71366 01/09/2007 1:23 AM | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | The bearings in my 53 were the originals. They lasted this long. I replaced both sides but only one side looked worn. Almost assuredly due to either overtightening or not tightened enough.
The balls work wonders its the adjustment thats gonna tell you whether they will last.
Ask anyone at a bearing supplier who knows their a$$ from a hole in the ground and they will tell you there is no reason to change what was there in the first place. Exactly like red58 says, not better, just different.
When I looked for bearings for my 53, I asked a bunch of questions about the ones chevy duty supplied. They swore they were american made. Stamped right on the side of them -MADE IN CHINA.
Those bearings were sloppy in their race, new. Sent em back got others from my nearest bearing supplier. Go for quality bearings everytime. Itll save you lots in the long run.
Jeff | | |
#71367 01/09/2007 2:03 AM | Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 168 | Thanks for the input. I'll have to go out to the garage and check the bearings I've got...
Jason
Your lack of preparation is not my emergency
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#71368 01/09/2007 7:42 PM | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | I don't believe in changing them either, but tapered bearings are more forgiving of misadjustments.
As an aside, the 3- series BMW that I own has ball bearings in the rear, and it is certainly designed to corner and have disc brakes.
The last set of bearings I got for my truck were from NAPA and were US made.
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A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | |
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