Looks like I might have to replace the rear axle bearings on my 66 Riviera. Anyone have opinions on the different quality of bearing manufactures, suppliers or retailers? I grew up in a family of truck mechanics that loved timken. I have bought from Rock Auto, Napa, Advance etc. over the years. I only want to do this once so quality is key. Kantor sells whole kits for both sides for $85.00. (unsure of Manufacturer). Thanks, J.R. from Minnesota
National and Timken will both be high quality bearings no matter where in the world they are made. I wouldn't have a problem using either one. I have used the Timken 514003 on the Rivs. Timken has a large manufacturing facility locally in Latrobe PA so that name has always been familiar and is synonymous with precision/high quality. RockAuto is probably going to be the best price on these. Make sure you get new shaft seals as well. As you probably know, these require a special puller to get the old ones off. You may choose to take to a shop. I burn them off with a oxy/acetylene torch but thats a (do not try this at home) method If you have trouble getting the axle shaft free from the tube, apply heat to the back side behind the brake backplate where you see the slight bell shape at the end of the tube. Some of them can be "really" tight.
Thanks for the info Jason. Are the national 88128RA and the timken 514003 the same? The National is nearly twice as much!
Wow I didn't notice the price difference. I used SKF on a previous axle job and didn't notice any physical difference but don't recall ever using national....maybe because they are nearly twice as much. :eek2: Not sure what could be so different about the National vs Timken or SKF to justify the extra cost. With so many things being made in Asia, you have to wonder......but with a worldwide company like Timken, you can bet if they are made in Asia the quality is the same. Perhaps the price difference is relative to a sales contract. For example maybe Rockauto buys a huge amount of Timken bearings so they get a volume discount......or it could be that National's pricing is different because they don't make as many of that part as Timken or SKF does due to their customer base. Or I could be completely wrong on all accounts. I know I wouldn't pay twice as much for the National.
More to the story. National also lists a part #514003. Actually less than the Timken. Here is where it gets interesting. They don't list that part number for the 1966 Riviera application. Not sure if the Timken and National are the same even though they share the same part number.
