Transmission Roller Bearings

Mike1291

Mike1291

Senior Member
I took apart my transmission and will be replacing the roller bearings. I did some research on them and apparently there were sub-par quality bearings made for a while. I asked a parts supplier about them and they were unaware of that information. I found the attached articles by Tom Endy on this matter. Can someone please explain, in layman's terms, what I should do to inspect my new bearings to confirm that they are not of the inferior quality? Do I check the roller elements or the end plates?
 

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They were unaware of the problem??? C'mon man, everyone knows about this.
Tom Endy and reputable suppliers have been struggling for years on this subject.

Either they are lying to you, or they don't sell Ford Model A parts. Sorry if this sounds
blunt but really?
 
The original cluster gear bearings were by Hyatt. You can recognize these by their "spiral spring" appearance which is actually because they ARE made from spring roller materials.

The "modern replacement" are solid rollers. There has been some discussion of the best way to "capture" these rollers in their cages. One variation is the rollers are actually "tubes" and the restraining cage includes "rods" which the tubes turn on. These are prone to "fracturing" the roller into pieces and the pieces getting caught and furthering the damage.

Another version shows the rollers with little "nubs" on them which fit holes in the encircling ring. The actual ring frame is held together by separate unloaded "stand-aparts" which are riveted in place. These are prone to the rollers coming loose from their position and getting caught under the next roller in line.

Hyatt as a company was absorbed in early 20th century into the General Motors Corporation. The company languished late in its time finally being sold off to others simply as a way for others to "control" the Hyatt production and otherwise dominate their market. The last Hyatt bearings were made in 1993. SKF currently controls Hyatt assets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyatt_Roller_Bearing_Company

I have SOME of the hyatts set aside for my own use. Open enough transmissions and eventually you find enough bearings to finish ONE transmission complete.

One method used to aid the countershaft load ability is to use THREE bearings in a row. Don't assemble using the spacer. Find a short or long bearing (forget which) which can take its place.

Some here have considered making a "bushing" center for the cluster gear. Brass sleeve. The principle apparently works fine in other period transmissions (Chevrolet?) and opinion has not coalesced on the practicality of this for the Model A three speed.


Joe K
 
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Joe K said:

"Some here have considered making a "bushing" center for the cluster gear. Brass sleeve. The principle apparently works fine in other period transmissions (Chevrolet?) and opinion has not coalesced on the practicality of this for the Model A three speed"

Yes, I am one of them. Why? because the WWII Jeep transmission is somewhat similar
with the cluster setup, so bushings would work. I will retire soon and try to accomplish a setup to end this all. Hopefully. Why mention the WWII Jeep? It's the one transmission I know about.
 
Joe K said:
Some here have considered making a "bushing" center for the cluster gear. Brass sleeve. The principle apparently works fine in other period transmissions (Chevrolet?) and opinion has not coalesced on the practicality of this for the Model A three speed.
Joe K
Click to expand...

Thanks Joe, I was wondering whatever happened to the bushing idea.
 
Interestingly, Ebay shows SEVERAL countershafts/bearings available.

Many instances of bearings obviously not Hyatt in an original FoMoCo box are the "nub" style. Ford originated parts tend to be preferred - but who is to say that Ford ALWAYS provided the highest quality part? Aftermarket may mean "long enough to get the car running and out of the shop."

It's hard to know. Hyatt have always been my preferred "go-to" for rear hub bearings. I have seen later solid rollers very obviously broken - but never a Hyatt.

Ditto for transmission counter shaft.

OBTW - the WWII MB jeeps were not a paragon of durability. They were made quick and in volume for the war effort - and are not noted for standing up to long term service. The later CJ/M series were much more durable vehicles.

Joe K
 
I went through my Model A transmission a while back and found a brass bushing pressed into the center of the cluster gear. However, it appeared to block the oil hole in the middle of the gear so I drilled it out. The original spacer did have a gap that allowed oil into the bore.

Didn't the later V8 transmissions have a brass bushing inside of the cluster gear?

Another question: I have some NOS Ford roller bearings that are wrapped in some king of paper in the original Ford box. Some are bright and shiny but others have a black oxide appearance. Has anybody seen this?
 
I currently have a transmission problem and called Snyders to see if they actually have one in stock. I asked about the roller bearing problem and if their rebuilt transmissions are OK? They explained they knew of the problem, had it corrected by their supplier and what they have in their rebuilt transmissions are fine. I would suggest calling Snyders and discuss this...they were great to me on the phone.
 
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Joe K said:
Interestingly, Ebay shows SEVERAL countershafts/bearings available.

Many instances of bearings obviously not Hyatt in an original FoMoCo box are the "nub" style. Ford originated parts tend to be preferred - but who is to say that Ford ALWAYS provided the highest quality part? Aftermarket may mean "long enough to get the car running and out of the shop."

It's hard to know. Hyatt have always been my preferred "go-to" for rear hub bearings. I have seen later solid rollers very obviously broken - but never a Hyatt.

Ditto for transmission counter shaft.

OBTW - the WWII MB jeeps were not a paragon of durability. They were made quick and in volume for the war effort - and are not noted for standing up to long term service. The later CJ/M series were much more durable vehicles.

Joe K
Click to expand...
Note: While the WWII transmissions were not the most durable, the cluster bushings were just fine. This is the Borg Warner T-84. And yes, the later transmission, the T-90, was very durable. I ran a Chevy V8 with one with little trouble.
 
BEWARE that BERLIS are made in china as is KOBE !!!!!!, IF you can look for search &seek either OEM ORIGINAL FORD or HYATT or RBC brand even BOWER because at least they're 100% made in the USA !!!!!!, in the past we've managed to procure/order&supply in UK brand POLLARD &BALTZER (EURO/GERMAN MADE) also SKF is of high quality BUT ONLY HYATT had/have the wound spiral groove pattern design.
 
HYATT/RBC /SKF part numbers are : 93324 for countershaft front countershaft rear bearing HYATT/RBC/SKF part number is: 93328 (mainshaft pilot), BOWER J241248, J261648 respectively.
 
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