Question: Wheel bearings

[Tbird]

I have a 64 which needs new wheel bearings on the left rear wheel. My question is...is it better to obtain a rebuilt trailing arm that comes complete with new bearings done from VTech ( to name just one place) and just have the original trailing arm assembly switched out by a mechanic or just have the wheel bearings replaced? Also should both sides be done at the same time? I look forward to any and all advise. I need to make a decision with Carlisle coming up this weekend. The vendors with the rebuilt trailing arms will be there.

 

[muddywaters]

If the mechanic has worked on the Vette set up before and pre-loads the bearings correctly you should be o-kay and yes, I would do both sides.

 

[melsy]

Muddy waters is right on. You need someone who really knows how to do this and you will be fine. My favorite place is Van Steel in St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida. I have know them for over thirty years and they claim that one of their rebuilds has NEVER failed. Hope this helps.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

they claim that one of their rebuilds has NEVER failed. Hope this helps.

Only one has never failed? I thought that they would do better than that! I'm sure that you meant 'none', their work is excellent.

Tbird- you don't want some mechanic learning how to do wheel bearings on your car. Use somebody experienced. Gary R who is a member here is top notch and will be at Carlisle.

 

[melsy]

Mikey-Thanks. My fingers outpaced my brain. Good catch!!

 

[lars]

I've done several of the rebuilds, and it's not a bad do-at-home job if you have access to a hydraulic press, a good variety of hand tools (including 3/4" drive socket set to use as backers) and some measuring equipment. It's not something you're going to do in an afternoon, though. On a comparative scale, I'd say the trailing arm rebuild requires more experience and creativity than pulling an engine or installing a clutch, so if either of those are stretching your ability, the bearing replacement might not be the thing to do yourself. Experience is the key on this rebuild, so if you're going to have someone else do it, look to someone who has done a bunch of these. Gary R and Van Steel are the 2 sources that are considered top-of-the-scale.

Lars

 

[Tbird]

Thanks for all the great responses. For clarity, I was going to buy rebuilt trailing arms with the bearings, spindles already done by the experts (VTech, Ikerds, etc). I was plainning on having a mechanic who works on these vettes for the installation of the new new assembly.
Thanks!

I've done several of the rebuilds, and it's not a bad do-at-home job if you have access to a hydraulic press, a good variety of hand tools (including 3/4" drive socket set to use as backers) and some measuring equipment. It's not something you're going to do in an afternoon, though. On a comparative scale, I'd say the trailing arm rebuild requires more experience and creativity than pulling an engine or installing a clutch, so if either of those are stretching your ability, the bearing replacement might not be the thing to do yourself. Experience is the key on this rebuild, so if you're going to have someone else do it, look to someone who has done a bunch of these. Gary R and Van Steel are the 2 sources that are considered top-of-the-scale.

Lars

 

[lars]

I'd suggest you get a firm estimate in writing on that job if you're going to have a "mechanic" do it... It's likely to be a pricey effort if the bolts are seized up.