JrRifleCoach

After reading a post that referenced a RWB with taper bearings, I ran a quick search to find some further info. Although the taper bearing question has yet to be answered, heres some ID's for RWB that are sold by the same vendor yet priced suspiciously lower than other vendors.

270157684926 $139.99 Wheel Bearings Direct, *******, MI
270135759727 $69.99 Wheel Bearings Direct, *******, MI

Heres one sold by Tracy Chevrolet, Roseville, MI
270151603254 $119.00

Me thinks these are all the same. Buyers beware?



________________________________________ ___________

Package arrived via UPS from *******, MI looking somewhat pounded.



Upon opening the assembly had shifted in the packaging.



The foam packaging was destroyed. However the assembly appeared undamaged.



Nice overall finish. Looks like I'd expect it should look.



Part Number WB1 513020HD AK842/227/07 (CNC'D, NOT etched)



Hub Side



Shaft Side



If someone will post a pic of a standard bearing showing the shaft side I'd appreciate it.

Next step is to tear it down......

dchildress

I bought a full set of wheel bearings off Ebay a few years ago. One of the front ones was junk after 700 miles and one of the back ones was done after 3000 miles. I ended up putting one of my old fronts back on. The guy I bought the rear from warrantied it, but I had the same problem with play after about 5000 miles.

JrRifleCoach

Heres the latest correspondence with the seller:

My Question
His answer

CentralCoaster

Timken does make rollers, and not ball bearings, so it could be legitimate.

I'm surprised they speak so highly of them yet can't seem to substantiate it. Or maybe not so suprised.

If 6 people give me 20 bucks, I'll buy one and seperate it on my hydraulic press.

JrRifleCoach

CFI-EFI

I went to Wheel Bearings Direct's web site and I don't see those part numbers or prices. Also, I didn't notice where either Corvette rear wheel bearing was represented as a tapered bearing. I'll bet the "tapered" bearing is a mistake. Years ago, I took a Corvette rear wheel bearing/hub assembly apart and with calipers and a spec book in hand, I was unable to find a set of tapered bearings that would fit the factory castings regardless of the amount of machining. There just wasn't anything close. I'll be watching to see what develops.

RACE ON!!!

JrRifleCoach

At this point I have no reason to doubt his claim. I've inquired as to how the bearing can be lubed or if the preload can be set. Probably hear back later.

Great White North

Good digging!!!The last rear I got was a Timken,ball Brng.It had just as much play as the one I replaced!!

GS023

I e-mailed them through e-bay. My first question was: Is the bearing sevicable? He answered: I dont know what you mean by servicable. Then I returned with; Can it be disassembled and repacked?
He said no. I have had the original rears apart on mine, cleaned and regreased. I would think if the assembly had tapered bearings it could be disassembled for replace or repack. I think whoever replied to me knows little about the assembly.

Jonnymac

I got mine from Wheel Bearings Direct, the $69 dollar ones and so far they have remained tight with over 5000 miles on them.

CentralCoaster

Timken doesn't make ball bearings. The only thing Timken made on that was the box it came in.

jhammons01

Listening in on this one.

WW7

I think I am the one that first posted this about a week ago.I also posted the site they can be purchased from and yes the HP bearings at the bottom of the page are tappered bearings. WW..
This is the post from last week:
If you want bearings that last ,get tappered bearings. One of the companys out there selling these are Wheel Bearings Direct, the manufacter doesn't sell retail direct to the public anymore but there is a ebay site that you can buy from. They have standard roller bearings for $69.99 and tappered HP bearings for $139.99 and these will last,These are made in the USA. Here is a email that I received from them the other day when I was inquiring about warrantys.

Quote:
The warranty is one year. The HP is the same warranty. What the difference is between the two is the HP runs a taper bearing inside and the standard has a ball type. The HP typically out lasts the standard 3 to 1. Thanks.: UnQuote

I have two friends with corvettes that run autocross and they say the HP is the best they have used, I bought on there recommendation. WW
http://stores.ebay.com/Wheel-Bearing...QQftidZ2QQtZkm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BrianCunningham

When I called them on the phone, they said they were an OEM manufacturer. What they did was take the stock bearings out and replace them with custom tapered bearings if wanted. But I don't see it listed on their catalog, and it's just for the rears.

Bob89c4

Ok....don't wanna sound like a moron, but are the rear bearings on the C4 serviceable? I was under the assumption you had to replace the spindle assembly.

I need to replace the rears on my 89 and everything I have heard is stay with the AC Delco spindles. Everywhere I have looked they are at least 275.00 !! Are we talking about two different animals here? Don't mean to hijack this thread....but has anybody done this job recently? I have looked for recent posts/ links couldn't find any. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

Great White North

http://www.timken.com/products/bearings/catalogs/

Funny they would advetise that they do.And yes the box did say Timken ,as did the casting.

JrRifleCoach

Nope! we're talking the same part. The reason I started this thread was to call out those who already know about the product and those that don't. 140 for a rear wheel bearing is a great price these days! Since the ball types are prone to early failure due to design, this taper bearing replacement should be even better.

I'm thinking we should buy one and either have CC pop it apart or have someone section it for a looksee inside.
What say everyone? Ten bucks each to my paypal account and I'll keep a running total in a thread in this section. Once we reach the magic number I'll pickup the part and get it to Kevin.

My $10 is already in....

BrianCunningham

The inner and outer bearings are built into a hub that bolts to the upright. In the back there's a subaxle that passes through it.



It's a sealed unit. so you can NOT replace the seals and bearings, which probably cost all of $5


Pick up a cheap $12 manual, it will give you the basics, even if you don't service the car yourself, you'll better understand and not get taken by a mechanic.

Aardwolf

I put one of the WBI bearings in the rear on mine recently, I think it was $80 shipped. You do not replace the whole spindle just the bearing. It was fairly easy but took awhile.

WW7

Here is a email I sent to Wheel Bearing Inc. the company that makes the product and his response to my email.

Hi,
On ebay there is a vender selling your bearings for : (Chevrolet Corvette H.P. Wheel bearing 1984-1996)
under the name( Wheel Bearings Direct) . What I would like to know, is this HP a tappered bearing like he states because I don't see it listed in your online catalog? Thanks Wayne..

This is his reply:
Hi Wayne,
We do make this with a tappered bearing like he said. We make it with ball bearing also ( which is the one listed in the catalog). Thanks for your interest.