C1 Front Wheel Bearings

[Thomas B.]

I’ve read up on these bearings in various places but need help. The photo shows the inner bearing from the back (inside) of the hub. Are those three crimps factory original? How do I tap the bearing out without doing damage? Please help. Thank you.image.jpg

[Joe L.]

I’ve read up on these bearings in various places but need help. The photo shows the inner bearing from the back (inside) of the hub. Are those three crimps factory original? How do I tap the bearing out without doing damage? Please help. Thank you.image.jpg

Thomas----


The component you are referring to with the crimps is the SEAL, not the bearing. The configuration you see is typical of the original GM #3656536 seal. Of course, it might also be typical of other aftermarket seals so I cannot say if it's an original GM piece, or not.

Also, keep in mind that these seals were often sourced by GM from other manufacturers, notably National.

[Joseph L.]

ST-12 says to pry out the inner bearing felt seal assembly.
Joe

[Thomas B.]

Thank you, Joe and Joseph. Those crimps seem to be keeping the seal in. Do I have to "de-crimp" them before trying to tap the seal and race from the other end?

[Joe L.]

Thank you, Joe and Joseph. Those crimps seem to be keeping the seal in. Do I have to "de-crimp" them before trying to tap the seal and race from the other end?

Thomas-----


The crimps are part of the seal frame and do not retain the seal to the spindle. You might actually be able to get an awl, small screwdriver or other tool into the crimped area an use it to pry out the seal. Otherwise, just pry it out from the felt end. If it's been in there a long while, it might be stubborn but it should come out. Once the seal is out, the bearing is easily removed.

[Thomas B.]

Joe,
Those crimps were bothering me as I didn't expect they would be there. I had read the ST-12 and the 1961 Chevrolet shop manual as well as what I could find in the archives here and other websites. You've cleared it up. Thank you.

[Dennis C.]

If you are intent on replacing the seal and bearing, the easiest way to remove them is, as you remove the hub thread the nut on the spindle several turns. Then start pulling the hub off at a down angle, slamming the bearing/seal assembly against the nut.
After a few tries the hub will come off leaving the seal and bearing on the shaft.

[Thomas B.]

Dennis, thank you for your reply.