41 Cad Rear Wheel Bearing Service/Replacement

[robert G. smits]

My 41 63 series is used for touring and has 55K miles on it.  How do you decide when to service/replace the rear wheel bearings?  Thanks in advance for your input.  Bob Smits #2426

[Bob Schuman]

Robert.
Replace your rear wheel bearings. They are sealed prelubricated bearings and cannot be relubricated properly. I know of more than one fire from overheated rear wheel bearings in old Cadillacs, apparently from the old grease becoming hard and failing to lubricate the bearing. It gets hot, and can start a fire when on long tours. If yours have been on the axles for over 10 years, I would not trust them for long drives.

New bearings are available(BCA#88128R, or Carquest#514003), and must be pressed off and on the axle with a press, which any auto machine shop should have. They press off toward the splined end, press on toward the outer end against a small shoulder on the axle. While you are at it, You may want to replace the oil seals in the axle housing. They are National#450274 or Chicado Rawhide#15975.
Bob Schuman,CLC#254

[robert G. smits]

Thanks Bob.  I just finished re-packing the fronts and the old grease between the ball bearings was solid.  This got me to thinking about the rears.  Bob Smits #2426

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

I agree with Bob completely.  Any Cadillac being driven should have these bearings replaced if they have not been done already.  I had a failure in a big series car and depending on how they fail the wheel will start to come away from the housing.  The technology to make these sealed bearings was not very advanced when these cars were new.  Now sealed bearings are everywhere.

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

 When I replaced my oem 49 axle bearings/leather seals, the grease had hardened in chunks, so by all means, replace them.

[robert G. smits]

Remember when going to the Box Stores you may get bearings mfg in China.  There have been warnings in Skinned Knuckles about inferior metallurgy in these bearings and reported bearing failures.  Carquest would not guarantee me that the bearings were not of Chinese origin.  I use Olecar Bearing Co (910 693 3324).  They are very knowledgable and do not sell any Chinese or similar bearings.  Bob Smits #2426

[Jay Friedman]

I second the motion about using Olcar Bearing Company.  Not only does he (George Bachleda) sell quality US-made stuff, his prices are reasonable and he is very knowledgable about all bearings.