Maybe it's time for the parts vendors to make up a kit of different bearings to combat this as well.
The problem is one of "sourcing." Also "progress."
The Hyatt type bearings were state of the art in 1928. As the automotive application expanded and refined, it was found that a regular "Torrington" type needle could serve the same application - and still achieve the warranty miles.
My mind goes back to the 2003 VW TDI Golf of my ownership which came with a 100K Drivetrain warranty. When I came in for a front wheel bearing replacement ("cartridge" type bearing) at 97K, I got all sorts of dirty looks from the Service Manager. (Like "why do you exist?" And "you expect me to provide a car that will last the warranty interval at MY cost?")
When I experienced the SECOND front wheel bearing failure at 107K miles, I didn't bother to have the dealership do it, instead learning what was required and doing it myself. The $120 VW bearing actually costs only $26 at AutoZone - same bearing same four circles. You get ONE chance to press the bearing onto the front swivel, it has to be right otherwise you destroy the bearing in its removal.
But THIS is the state of the automotive art. The engineers have figured EXACTLY what is required to make your car reach the warranty duration, and they sell you exactly that and no more than that.
And Hyatt Bearings and the supporting design probably give too much life.
With the drop-off in demand for Hyatt Bearings, I expect the company has folded, or been absorbed into someone else. (more below) Since there is no real market, there are no real bearings of this pattern - or at least a very limited selection.
Imports (a large part of the Model A sources) another problem similar - and these without even an attempt at product liability OR reliability. I often wonder if the foreign suppliers look upon their version of parts/bearings as "occupies the space" and "Nobody really relies on these anyway."
Wikipedia has a fairly good description of Hyatt Bearing the company.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyatt_Roller_Bearing_Company
As of 1934 Hyatt Roller Bearings were being used in industrial equipment for mining, oil fields, textiles, steel mills, road building, power transmission, farm machinery and railroad cars as well in automobiles.[11] The New Departure Division and the Hyatt Bearing Division were merged into the New Departure-Hyatt Bearing Division in 1965. In 1986 this division stopped making commercial ball bearings but continued to manufacture high-precision bearings for aircraft engines. After further divisional mergers, bearing manufacture ceased in 1993. As of 2013 the Hyatt brand was owned by General Bearing Company of New York[6]- a division of SKF bearing company.[17]
So I guess you could say they're still out there - but parts vendors are not accessing this source. The Model A designs may be obsolete in General Bearing/SKF view. (Limited market.)
Joe K
