Front wheel bearings.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jabborabbo** · 01-07-2021, 01:49 AM

Yes, I’m an idiot. ‘67 GMC...I finally got time to finish the brake job, and since it’s been over a month, I don’t remember how the outer front wheel bearing fits. When I originally removed the drum, both bearings were “pointed” (for lack of the right word) out and remained on the axle (first picture). The GMC Master Parts book shows them “pointed” toward each other (second picture), which would result in the outer (smaller) bearing coming out with the drum. I’m confused and don’t want to waste time drifting the outer race the wrong way into the drum. Help!

**biketopia** · 01-07-2021, 08:56 AM

They need to "face" each other, like the drawing, your picture of how they came out is incorrect for the outer bearing.

RustyPile · 01-07-2021, 08:58 AM

The picture is correct, the bearing cages "point" toward each other.. Install the outer races in the hub first.. Pack the bearings and install the inner bearing in the hub.. Press the seal into the hub.. The seal will keep the bearing from falling out while the drum is being installed onto the spindle.. After the hub is seated on the spindle, install the outer bearing, then the washer.. Install the castle nut and tighten to about 15 inch pounds torque.. Back the nut off one flat of the nut and install the cotter pin..

cj847 · 01-07-2021, 10:03 AM

The above advice is correct. However, since I am guessing this may be your first time in a long time:

-Insure you understand how to pack a bearing.
-Be sure to pay attention when installing the races, you don't want to install backwards.
-On tightening. I have found that I generally left mine too loose. Now I tighten them until there is some resistance to the drum turning (ie squeeze the grease out of the bearings). You don't want any side to side movement of the drum. And (in my experience) you don't want it to spin as freely as a bicycle wheel.

Others may disagree, and if you have a torque wrench then certainly follow the manual's recommendation.

01-07-2021, 01:49 AM	#1
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 743	Front wheel bearings.... Yes, I’m an idiot. ‘67 GMC...I finally got time to finish the brake job, and since it’s been over a month, I don’t remember how the outer front wheel bearing fits. When I originally removed the drum, both bearings were “pointed” (for lack of the right word) out and remained on the axle (first picture). The GMC Master Parts book shows them “pointed” toward each other (second picture), which would result in the outer (smaller) bearing coming out with the drum. I’m confused and don’t want to waste time drifting the outer race the wrong way into the drum. Help! Attached Images __________________ "It is hard to search for a black cat in a dark room, particularly if it is not there. Especially if this cat is smart, brave, and polite." Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defense Last edited by jabborabbo; 01-07-2021 at 02:18 AM.

01-07-2021, 08:56 AM	#2
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,032	Re: Front wheel bearings.... They need to "face" each other, like the drawing, your picture of how they came out is incorrect for the outer bearing. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

01-07-2021, 08:58 AM	#3
RustyPile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Elkhart, Texas Posts: 1,649	Re: Front wheel bearings.... The picture is correct, the bearing cages "point" toward each other.. Install the outer races in the hub first.. Pack the bearings and install the inner bearing in the hub.. Press the seal into the hub.. The seal will keep the bearing from falling out while the drum is being installed onto the spindle.. After the hub is seated on the spindle, install the outer bearing, then the washer.. Install the castle nut and tighten to about 15 inch pounds torque.. Back the nut off one flat of the nut and install the cotter pin..

01-07-2021, 10:03 AM	#4
cj847 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ft Smith, AR Posts: 559	Re: Front wheel bearings.... The above advice is correct. However, since I am guessing this may be your first time in a long time: -Insure you understand how to pack a bearing. -Be sure to pay attention when installing the races, you don't want to install backwards. -On tightening. I have found that I generally left mine too loose. Now I tighten them until there is some resistance to the drum turning (ie squeeze the grease out of the bearings). You don't want any side to side movement of the drum. And (in my experience) you don't want it to spin as freely as a bicycle wheel. Others may disagree, and if you have a torque wrench then certainly follow the manual's recommendation.



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