The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Roller bearings vs original style ball bearings?

I'm currently working on my front hubs and noticed I have the original style ball bearings stamped with "MADE IN USA" that look like they're in good shape. I was wondering if I should upgrade to a roller style or just keep the ball style. I found a set of rollers from ClassicParts.com for $119.95.
Heres the link: http://www.classicparts.com/1941-57-Roller-Bearing-Upgrade-Kit/productinfo/73-061K/

Has anyone used this set? Thanks

I have used this set and I am pleased. Make sure your spindles are nice and smooth before you install them.

If the ball brgs are in good shape there is no need to replace them. If they are properly packed with grease & adjusted corectly they will last from now on out. They recommend useing the rollers when changing to disc brakes.

Is there a way to check/measure the original ball bearings to see if they need to be replaced? What's the best way to pack the grease, is it like packing a roller bearing?

The best way to check the old bearings is to clean them up, blow them out and look at them. Place them in the races and check for any side to side movement as a whole. Any clicking or movement is not good. If you see any nicks, scratches, rough spots, etc., they will not last long.

Pack them by hand. Take a huge handful of grease and force it into the cavities, again and again until they are full of grease. I suggest latex gloves

Jeff

My $.02... good American ball bearings are better than cheap chinese roller bearings. The chinese roller bearings left me stranded on the side of the road 3 times. (1959 gmc 1/2 ton with 12 inch front discs)

Did you go back to ball bearings? I have a 6 lug disc brake kit on the shelf as well as a set of the cheap roller bearings slated for a future project. I am reluctant to even install the chinese bearings when the time comes.

Steve,

I ordered a set of ball type bearings from one of the vendors who swore they were made in America. They were not. Big 'ol China stamped on the side of them and they were sloppy in the races. You shouldn't be able to feel movement in a bearing, and these were sloppy.

I sent them back and ordered MBS, Japanese ball bearings and haven't had a problem since.

I agree with bigbadswingdaddy wholeheartedly on the quality of bearings.

Jeff

Rustednuts,
Do you have the part numbers for the bearings?

I ordered a set of the MBS Japanese roller bearings which I believe to be of superior quality. I also had to change my front spindles and hubs as the bearing failures destroyed everything.

Sounds like a hell of a mess if it destroyed the hubs and the spindles.

[quote=rustednuts]Steve,

I ordered a set of ball type bearings from one of the vendors who swore they were made in America. They were not. Big 'ol China stamped on the side of them [quote]


I've had that happen a few times, but not with bearings. It gets pretty disheartening after a while.

I had them written down somewhere but I can't seem to find them now. If you call into a bearing supply house with your old bearing numbers they will match them to new bearings.

Jeff