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Rear axle bearings

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David_Doan

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I'm replacing the rear axle seals, so I'm also replacing the bearings. Moss, VB, etc have a kit with open bearings for about $18 per side. I've read some recommendations to use sealed bearings to further inhibit leaks. Here are the suggested part numbers I collected:

SKF part# 6207zz
NSK part# 6207vvc-mav2
207-FF

A few links to what I found:

https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-35x7...8&qid=1357453840&sr=1-8&keywords=6207+bearing

https://www.amazon.com/Timken-207FF...?ie=UTF8&qid=1357527765&sr=8-1&keywords=207FF

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Au...?ie=UTF8&qid=1357527823&sr=8-8&keywords=207FF

There are huge variations in prices - even higher at local stores. 207FF's sold for cars are $30+, the same bearing from a tractor part supplier is $10 or less. Is a 207-FF always the same?

I'd appreciate any wisdom form those that have already gone through this.

Thanks,

David
 
Maybe the review of the cheaper bearings says it all.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews


1.0 out of 5 stars ron May 7, 2012
By ron
Amazon Verified Purchase
I received two bearings 207 FF pressed into hubs bearings have way to much side play to use on hub assembleys in automotive use
 
I guess that the main question is, do you have any reason to suspect that the bearings are bad? If not, I'd suggest using the old ones until you have a good reason to replace them. The quality of a lot of replacement parts for our cars is not good, and in many cases the old ones are better, even with some wear. I know, there is always that urge to replace everything, and have it all correct, good, and like new. That's fine with a lot of cars, but with ours, I think you have to be a little more careful.
 
Sarastro said:
I guess that the main question is, do you have any reason to suspect that the bearings are bad? If not, I'd suggest using the old ones until you have a good reason to replace them. The quality of a lot of replacement parts for our cars is not good, and in many cases the old ones are better, even with some wear. I know, there is always that urge to replace everything, and have it all correct, good, and like new. That's fine with a lot of cars, but with ours, I think you have to be a little more careful.
Click to expand...

Well put. :encouragement:
 
Unfortunately, lots of junk out there now days. If you can avoid putting any large loads on the bearing balls and the bearings are not rough I would reuse them. If you are going to replace I would think sticking with the old well known brands to be best. Timken, Fafnir should be good. Recently got a set of front bearings on UK e-bay and they were looser than the county brand currently being sold by the usual suspects. Guess I will have to convert to tapered bearings.

Kurt
 
AN5Sprite said:
Well put. :encouragement:
Click to expand...

The only reason that I was planning on replacing the bearings is that the seals need to be replaced. To get to the seals, you have to press the bearings out by the inner race. It is generally not recommended to re-use bearings that have been pressed out like that.

Mine did pop out pretty easy, based on the comments here, maybe I will just re-use them.

Thanks,

David
 
Dunno the exact setup of the rear axle in this vehicle, and I don't know how the proposed replacements are "sealed", but....... rear axle bearings are typically lubricated by slosh out of the pumpkin and you don't want to impede the flow of oil into the bearing from the center section of the axle.
Bob
 
David, I know what you mean. I remember now that the only way to press them out is against the inner race. I've done it and got away with it. If they are smooth and don't appear worn..go for it!

Kurt.
 
David_Doan said:
The only reason that I was planning on replacing the bearings is that the seals need to be replaced. To get to the seals, you have to press the bearings out by the inner race. It is generally not recommended to re-use bearings that have been pressed out like that.

Mine did pop out pretty easy, based on the comments here, maybe I will just re-use them.

Thanks,

David
Click to expand...

David,
I reused my original bearings in this same scenario.
However, now that the hub is back on the diff housing, I notice there is a moderate amount of play in the passenger side hub. I'm loathe to buy new parts given the poor quality of much of the replacements, but maybe I need to take off the one hub and replace it's bearings.
Questions:
1. How do I determine if I have too much play/wiggle?
2. What is the best brand/part?

thanks
Fred
 
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