Ok guys, Since I need to have my axle flanges turned down to fit rotors, I figure I might as well swap the axle bearings. Heres my question. I have the 8.5" with the bolt in axles. I've heard that it is pretty rare. Where can I get the bearings? AZ lists them on their site, but it says nothing about the bearing retainer? whats the story?? Thanks Joe :beer
The bolt in axles aren't all that rare, all BOP axles are that way. It's just that the Ch*vy-style c-clip axles get more attention ('cause they break...?). Don't have my manual in front of me, but if I remember, the bearings have to be pressed onto the axle shafts, and the existing retainer if reused, as it just holds the bearing in the housing. Larry, you got your book and scanner handy? :laugh:
Majority of early 8.5 A-body rears (& all the Buick A body 8.5 bolt-in axle rears) took an A9 bearing & a National 712146 axle seal. A9 tapered bearing is aprox 2.7" in diameter. A few 8.5 A-body rears took the larger diam A10 bearing & matching larger seal... these are rare. Buying bearings, & seals... best to go with a quality brand of bearing & seal... skip the Partsmaster (Chinese junk) & go with Timken or Federal Mogul (BCA-Bower). Last Federal Mogul bearings I bought (A2's & A6's) were made in Eastern Europe, at least not Chinese junk. Federal Mogul has been under bankrupcy reorganization last couple years, I hope they can eek it out, nice to have quality alternatives. :3gears: Roger
Definitely go Timken. I had someone put on some cheaper ones and literally ripped them out and had the axle walking out of the housing. Luckily I was just pulling out of my drive or would have lost a quarter panel.
