41 coupe wheel bearing service

R

Ralph S.

Member
Hello everyone,


I'm looking to clean and repack the wheel bearings on my car. I'd like to have all the parts I will need on hand before I start tearing things apart. What will I need as far as seals and all the miscellaneous parts go. Wheel bearings themselves still seem to be in good shape, or at least are not showing any signs of going bad. Thank you for your help
 
What I'm trying to find out is how many seals is there for the front and rear wheels. Is there an inner and outer seals or just one? Is there anything else that has to be replaced and can't be reused when wheel bearings are pulled?
 
There are inner seals on both front and rear hubs. The rear hubs also have a seal that goes on after the drum is installed, over the axle before you put the washer and nut on. It’s more of a cardboard washer, than a seal.
I would prefer to reuse original bearings that are in good shape, than some of the stuff that’s out there today. Or if you prefer try to find some NOS/NORS bearings.
 
Aside from testing for front wheel bearing play while on the car, inspect the bearing races for uneven wear and over-heating marks.

2 x RalphM's recommendation regarding using NOS products. I have seen some forum members sometimes say they have trouble getting good quality seals.

I don't see you mentioning wheel bearing grease but you want a long fiber (high temp if possible) wheel bearing grease such as Sta-Lube SL3131 which is available at most NAPA stores or via Amazon on the internet where you may get lower pricing and free shipping. I buy my ****** and banjo Sta-Lube gear greases there.
 
Oops, forgot cotter pins!
Charlie,
those washers come in felt? The ones I’ve seen were always like a pressed cardboard.
 
RalphM said:
Oops, forgot cotter pins!
Charlie,
those washers come in felt? The ones I’ve seen were always like a pressed cardboard.
Click to expand...

You are right. I should have said "fiber". The ones I have seen look more like brake shoe lining.

Charlie Stephens
 
Last edited:
Ralph S. said:
What I'm trying to find out is how many seals is there for the front and rear wheels. Is there an inner and outer seals or just one? Is there anything else that has to be replaced and can't be reused when wheel bearings are pulled?
Click to expand...
You are going to find only one seal in the rear hub. There is a second seal inside the axle housing. This second seal is not normally replaced unless it is leaking and required the rear end be disassemble to replace it.

If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes I would recommend adding safety hubs or clips while you are working on it.

Charlie Stephens
 
Oh, and your going to need one of these;
 

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I second what RalphM shows in his picture if the hubs are properly tightened. KRW rear hub puller.
If the rear wheel bearings are Ford Script, the cage that separates the rollers is hardened. On most new replacement bearings, this is soft metal. If rear wheel bearings are not Script, test the separator with a file to verify they are hard. If a file cuts it you should look for good used or NOS bearings as these soft parts can go away pretty quickly.
 
41 has a groove in the hub for the puller. The tool is a great idea. There are get arounds, but the tool is the best way to go.
 
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