The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Front inner bearing 1950 Chevy 3100

When I install the outer race for the inner bearing on the hub of a 1950 Chevy 3100 truck, it sticks out too much and therefore the drum isn't flush with the backing plate. When I use the old bearing, it works fine, but the old bearing simply rides inside the hub, i.e. the hub is the outer race. The bearing I ordered therefore doesn't fit. The parts store said it's possible my hubs were changed at some point. The outer bearing is similar in that it works without the outer race, but if I press the outer race in, the grease cap doesn't fit, but without the outer race, the new bearing fits perfect. The bearing rides on the hub which seems to have the outer race as a permanent part of the hub. At least the outer bearing is the same as the old one. The new inner bearing, however, is a bit larger than the original and therefore doesn't fit without the new race.

Anyone else experience this?

Are they true round roller bearings or tapered roller bearings? Never saw a bearing in a wheel without a race, but stranger things have happened.

Stock front end?

Thank you for response.
They are the roller bearings; not tapered.
When I called the parts place they feel that my hubs were changed and not the originals. I guess the original hubs, you remove the old outer races and install new ones. My front hubs seem to have the outer races built in if that makes any sense.

The new outer bearings are the same size and work without the outer race (they roll inside the hub perfectly). The new inner bearings are a bit larger circle and don't fit inside the hub. When I reuse the old bearings, they work fine and fit perfectly without an outer race if that makes sense.

you have ball bearings, not any kind of roller bearings - do you have a manual? have you studied it? there are races that need to be driven out

Bill

Thanks for info.
Correct, they are ball bearings.
Have a manual and studied it but my hubs do not appear to have races that can be driven out unless they are so rusted that it appears solid.

I don't think there is a hub made that does not have removable races.

Flyer,

Removal of bearing race from front hub/drum.

Usually there is so much grease inside the hub that you cannot see the openings behind the race. A long drift-punch and a hammer will usually get out the inner race.

Also, races don't need to be replaced if they are in good shape. Since you mentioned rust, it sounds like race replacement is called for.

OK, I'm an idiot. Figured out that the old outer races have to be tapped out via those 4 gaps on either end. Since they slide into the inside of the hub, I thought it was a solid piece. Once I tapped the old ones out and put the new ones in, many that baby rolls on the spindle like a dream. I appreciate the assistance!

What a great story! All of us aren't gifted mechanics. Advice here on this website is invaluable! Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge.