Wheel bearing questions

docerz · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject: Wheel bearing questions

Hello I have a 1959 E.C. and am currently doing the brakes and suspension. My question is does anyone know what bearing I can use to replace my stock type ball bearings? Also I see concversion kits to tappered rollerbearings for the 1957-1959 Chevrolet 1/2 ton trucks. will the bearings from a 1/2 ton fit on the el camino if they do problem solved!. Please let me know because right now the e.c. is disabled until I get the bearing back on. Any help or direction is great

charlieg · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject: Supension (wheel bearings)

I’ll post this reply with tongue in cheek and perhaps someone more familiar with 59 Elkys will answer.
I was a teen in ’59 but I didn’t know that they had ball bearings on the front wheels then.
In any case, if the spindles were originally made for ball bearings, there is no way to put tapered roller bearings in them without a lot of machine work. The hubs wouldn’t fit either, so they would have to be machined also. I don’t think you would be happy with the results.
Let me say that if the spindles and hubs are in good condition, and you want to put the original replacement ball bearings back on the vehicle, you would be money ahead to do so.
Most all bearings have their number stamped on them somewhere although different manufactures have their own numbering system.
If you are able to supply a reputable bearing retailer with your present bearing number, they should be able to cross reference it to some currently manufactured part even if your original manufacture is no longer in business.
Another option is to replace the front spindles with some from a later model, preferably with disc brakes. That way you would get the benefit of better bearings and disc brakes. I know that this doesn’t answer your direct question but it’s a start. LOL