Bruzilla
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I just replaced my first set of front wheel bearings on a 1974 Road Runner and thought I would pass along some observations.
First issue was getting the correct bearings. I guess all the parts stores (NAPA, Advance, Autozone, O'Reillys, etc.) use the same parts database as all of them list the wrong bearings for 1974 Road Runners. The correct bearings are A2 and A17, and this applies to most B bodies of the era. Also, the database error appears to only impact 1974 cars.
Second issue is you need to inspect your bearings at the store. Bearings should be sealed in plastic wrap or bags, and not just sitting in the box. If they are not sealed, it means someone bought them before and brought them back for some reason, and this might be a reason for you not to want them either. In my case, one of the A17 bearings I bought wasn't sealed, and I found out the bearings were A17 but the race was the next size smaller.
Next, I read a tip about using the old races to help pound in the new ones. You sit the old race on the new, and strike the old one with a hammer or mallet to push them in. This means you can get the new race in without damaging it. This idea worked great on the outer bearings, but the inner bearings seat a lot deeper in the rotor, and by the time you seat them you've pushed the old race so far in that you can't get it out. You can use the old race to get the new one in until it's about 1/8th inch from seating, then use a hammer and punch, or screwdriver, to seat the new race.
Finally, you should always replace the spindle nut, thrust washer, nut cover, and cotter pin when you replace or repack the bearings. These are sold as a kit, but most auto parts stores do not carry these in stock and have to order them in, so you might want to hit the parts store a few days before you plan on changing the bearings and order these parts in advance. Also, shop around for prices. O'Reilly's wanted $6.99 for the exact same set Autozone was selling for $3.99.
First issue was getting the correct bearings. I guess all the parts stores (NAPA, Advance, Autozone, O'Reillys, etc.) use the same parts database as all of them list the wrong bearings for 1974 Road Runners. The correct bearings are A2 and A17, and this applies to most B bodies of the era. Also, the database error appears to only impact 1974 cars.
Second issue is you need to inspect your bearings at the store. Bearings should be sealed in plastic wrap or bags, and not just sitting in the box. If they are not sealed, it means someone bought them before and brought them back for some reason, and this might be a reason for you not to want them either. In my case, one of the A17 bearings I bought wasn't sealed, and I found out the bearings were A17 but the race was the next size smaller.
Next, I read a tip about using the old races to help pound in the new ones. You sit the old race on the new, and strike the old one with a hammer or mallet to push them in. This means you can get the new race in without damaging it. This idea worked great on the outer bearings, but the inner bearings seat a lot deeper in the rotor, and by the time you seat them you've pushed the old race so far in that you can't get it out. You can use the old race to get the new one in until it's about 1/8th inch from seating, then use a hammer and punch, or screwdriver, to seat the new race.
Finally, you should always replace the spindle nut, thrust washer, nut cover, and cotter pin when you replace or repack the bearings. These are sold as a kit, but most auto parts stores do not carry these in stock and have to order them in, so you might want to hit the parts store a few days before you plan on changing the bearings and order these parts in advance. Also, shop around for prices. O'Reilly's wanted $6.99 for the exact same set Autozone was selling for $3.99.
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