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| | | Forums66 Topics128,052 Posts1,055,770 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 96 | I was removing the wheels on my 52 1/2 ton to do my king pins and inspected my wheel bearings. Both passenger and driver were toast. The inner ball bearing retainers on both sides were broken or cracked.One race had a scuff on it.The key on the washer under the castle nut was torn off on both sides. I replaced the king pins and all of the bearings 5 years ago. I have only put 7000 miles on the truck.Any ideas why they would fail? I would appreciate any feed back before I invest in new parts again.Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | Roller or ball bearings? Where were the bearings made?
Wheel bearings should last 50k miles or more, however the new steel they are making them out of is crap. Make sure you get a quality set of bearings. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | not properly installed - too tight likely, maybe too loose, and maybe never checked after redone?
Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | Agree with Bill, prolly too tight. They'll wear like a bad boy if they're too tight.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 96 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 96 | Hi and thanks for the input. I think I probably had them too tight. I also had trouble with old stripped castle nuts which I replaced.The bearings are (were) ball bearings and although made in China they were supposed to be a top brand.I will check my manual and see if there is any reference to tightness if I can't find the right answer I will get back to the forum. Thanks again for the opinions. Jeff | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 |
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 |
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | After several emails with Classic Parts, they confirmed the bearings for my '53 were made in the USA so I ordered them. After recieving them, I popped them open and saw the large made in CHINA stamped in them. They were sloppy in the race, which no ball bearing should have any 'feel' of movement in. I sent them back and reordered through my bearing supplier. I recieved some Japanese bearings of a much higher quality. Its been several years with no problems.
I believe they need to be torqued at 35 foot pounds, not like tapered bearing settings, but my memory may not be serving me correctly...
Jeff
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