Wheel Bearing Choice

[1Bad86]

My right rear wheel bearing is shot . Should I use the AC Delco replacement ($304.00) or are there aftermarket ones of similar quality?:confused Also when you have faced this do you just replace the bad one? in pairs ? or what

 

[Achilles]

I just replaced both rears on my 86 with the AC/Delco pieces from Eckler's @ $ 259.99 ea. I had a right rear go bad and opted to replace both at the same time. I could have gone with a less expensive aftermarket. But because I autocross this car, I didn't want to risk part failure if the other part was a lesser quality. Personally, If I didn't want to pop $500+ for 2 AC's, I'd buy one until I could get the other one. Just my opinion. If you have a Haynes repair manual it explaines the hub removal very clearly, although I didn't disconect the tie-rod to knuckle as it suggests and had no problem. You will need a Torx #55 bit to remove the hub bolts.

 

[1Bad86]

Thanks for the reply man. I did the search on wheel bearings and feel comfortable doing the job myself. Lots of good info here.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

When you go to remove the rear hub torx bolts give them a shot of PB Blaster and let it soak in real good.


I replaced both of mine with new AC Delcos when I did the rear end upgrade. (Dana 36 w/2.59 gone, Dana 44 w/ 3.45 in)

 

[JonM]

CHICAGO-RAWHIDE makes a good bearing...you can get them for about 150 at Pepboys with a lifetime guarantee.

 

[Mart]

I'm in the process of doing mine and ahave started a thread on them and the rear bushings.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64234&page=3&pp=20

There are some pics and some tips there.

I have one side done and I am working my way under the car to the other side, replacing the sway bar bushings and painting it as I go.

It's lots of fun.

Mart

 

[Achilles]

Hey Mart, Just finished mine up last week. Got both rear hubs in, new poly's on the rear and new Bilsteins on all four corners from Vette Brakes (VBP). After you finish your bushings, make an appointment with your local allignment shop and get a 4 wheel computerized allignment. I stress the word "computerized" because you don't want a shop that works by the "close enough" allignment system. I also went by the VBP allignment specs. All I can say is WHOA! This car handles like it's on a rail, and I haven't even put polyurathane bushings on the front yet. But thats next.



Enjoy the ride.

 

[Mart]

Hey Jerk,

That's great to hear, I'm getting close I just need to do a search around here for an alignment place.

What or where are the specs for an alignment from VBP?

Mart

 

[Achilles]

Hey Jerk,

That's great to hear, I'm getting close I just need to do a search around here for an alignment place.

What or where are the specs for an alignment from VBP?

Mart

I set mine up for advanced street which is:


Front: Toe= 0" Camber= 1/4 deg. negative Caster=5-7 deg. positive

Rear: Toe= 1/8" Camber= 1/2 deg. negative

You can always get more aggressive on the allignment at the expense of your tires or try 800 237-9991 www.VBandP.com for a catalog

 

[JonM]

VB Alignment

 

[jsinga]

I have read many times GM reboxes the bearings. I've have the pep boys bearings in my 87, they have nearly as many miles on them as the factory bearings when they were totally shot. AND they have a lifetime warranty.
New bearings will make a tremendous difference in how the car handles, it will quite jumping around in the ruts quite so bad.

JS

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Timken and BCA Bearings are both good replacement brands.

They are manufacturers in the USA.

 

[1Bad86]

Thanks for the input guys.