Wheel Bearing Replacement W/ Drum Brakes

[East_Bound]

What's up guys -

So I finally finished up the new u-joints and center bearing this weekend and got the truck on the road again after ten days; thanks for everyone's input. On to the next:

My wheel bearings (specifically my driver side) are pretty much shot and need replacement. I have been reading up on many of the threads on here, but notice most are for disk brakes. What am I in for here? My 64 has drums all around. Is my truck equipped with a pressed bearing or can it be removed with some force?

I also see talk about having to adjust the shoes after replacement? Is this necessary? And if so, why?

Thanks!

-Nick

[PGSigns]

The wheel bearings them selves will pop right out, the races takes some work with a hammer and a big punch. It is important to get the new races in straight and fully seated. The next thing is to properly pack the bearings. I am sure all of this is on youtube some where. On the brake shoes the have to be adjusted to fit the diameter of the drums when you install them. If not you will not have much or any brakes as the master cylinder can not push out enough fluid to get the shoes to contact the drums. If you are not up to the task with the tools and know how to correctly do the bearings and brakes let the pros do it. That way it is done correctly and they can go over the entire brake system to ensure its 100%. When it come to items like brakes that are so much safety related I don't recommend it to the entry DIY guys. Also do some reading in the FAQ section on splitting the brakes on your truck and going to a duel pot master cylinder. Highly recommend you have this done. First thing I tell everyone who gets one of these trucks. I wrecked one when a line failed and had zero brakes due to the single system.
Jimmy

[East_Bound]

Great, thanks for info!

Originally Posted by PGSigns

The wheel bearings them selves will pop right out, the races takes some work with a hammer and a big punch. It is important to get the new races in straight and fully seated. The next thing is to properly pack the bearings. I am sure all of this is on youtube some where. On the brake shoes the have to be adjusted to fit the diameter of the drums when you install them. If not you will not have much or any brakes as the master cylinder can not push out enough fluid to get the shoes to contact the drums. If you are not up to the task with the tools and know how to correctly do the bearings and brakes let the pros do it. That way it is done correctly and they can go over the entire brake system to ensure its 100%. When it come to items like brakes that are so much safety related I don't recommend it to the entry DIY guys. Also do some reading in the FAQ section on splitting the brakes on your truck and going to a duel pot master cylinder. Highly recommend you have this done. First thing I tell everyone who gets one of these trucks. I wrecked one when a line failed and had zero brakes due to the single system.
Jimmy

[aerotruk63]

I'm cynical, but, why buy an old truck and not purchase a simple Shop Manual? They are available in reproduction versions as well as a CD. I'm amazed how I see so many questions like you've posted, that are explained step by step in the pages of the Shop Manual.
I guess I'm from the old school where the internet did not exist and you had to rely on your own wits to get you by.
Please don't take this personally East Bound, but having a Shop Manual will make your life a lot easier and safer.
END OF RANT! lol

P.S. bring the manual with you in the truck so the local garages can look up info on your truck as well.
I'M SPENT! Thank you for your patience.

[cv65]

Good advice,If you haven't done this before, or don't have somebody to walk you threw it. its better off you get someone that knows how to help you or do it.alot of little tricks that can save you money and downtime,when it comes to brakes,wheels,suspension, you don't want to get it wrong.Hopefully you could watch somebody do it and learn,then you could do it from then on.Get the manual!,Good Luck were here if ya have questions

[East_Bound]

Can you provide a link as to where to buy the book online? I have looked but could only find a CD which does not interest me.

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

I'm cynical, but, why buy an old truck and not purchase a simple Shop Manual? They are available in reproduction versions as well as a CD. I'm amazed how I see so many questions like you've posted, that are explained step by step in the pages of the Shop Manual.
I guess I'm from the old school where the internet did not exist and you had to rely on your own wits to get you by.
Please don't take this personally East Bound, but having a Shop Manual will make your life a lot easier and safer.
END OF RANT! lol

P.S. bring the manual with you in the truck so the local garages can look up info on your truck as well.
I'M SPENT! Thank you for your patience.

[cv65]

Originally Posted by East_Bound

Can you provide a link as to where to buy the book online? I have looked but could only find a CD which does not interest me.

ebay you need the 1963 manual and 1964 supplement

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-19...HAWPcA&vxp=mtr

[Backpayne]

Believe me. If I can replace/pack the new bearings just based off of youtube videos, you can!

[GRX]

Agree with above. Packing the bearings by hand is not too difficult. Plenty of guides on it. Clean all the old grease out of the hub before replacing the bearing races. Using a brass punch is recommended. Tap in a circle thus driving them in straight & even. Recheck making sure there is no gap against the internal shoulder.

And while on the subject of shoes ... for pete's sake do not overlook having the drums turned. Cannot believe how many dismiss this. Not going to have good stopping power if the shoes are only making partial contact on tapered drums.

[aerotruk63]

I'll trade you.
You renew my Premium Subscription to this site and I'll send you a 63 Shop Manual and a 64 supplement. That's a $25.00 investment on your part for the two manuals.

[East_Bound]

PM me

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

I'll trade you.
You renew my Premium Subscription to this site and I'll send you a 63 Shop Manual and a 64 supplement. That's a $25.00 investment on your part for the two manuals.

[PGSigns]

Thats a good deal.
Jimmy

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by East_Bound

What's up guys -

So I finally finished up the new u-joints and center bearing this weekend and got the truck on the road again after ten days; thanks for everyone's input. On to the next:

My wheel bearings (specifically my driver side) are pretty much shot and need replacement. I have been reading up on many of the threads on here, but notice most are for disk brakes. What am I in for here? My 64 has drums all around. Is my truck equipped with a pressed bearing or can it be removed with some force?

I also see talk about having to adjust the shoes after replacement? Is this necessary? And if so, why?

Thanks!

-Nick

I replaced my front wheel bearings. Here are some pics. Grind off the rivets that hold the hub to the drum. It is not necessary to replace the rivets. The old race can be knocked out with a brass drift. Drive the new race into the hub - I used a bearing driver set from Harbor Freight if I recall. Install the bearings and a new rear seal - again using a seal driver from the same set.

[East_Bound]

Awesome, thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by Lugnutz65

I replaced my front wheel bearings. Here are some pics. Grind off the rivets that hold the hub to the drum. It is not necessary to replace the rivets. The old race can be knocked out with a brass drift. Drive the new race into the hub - I used a bearing driver set from Harbor Freight if I recall. Install the bearings and a new rear seal - again using a seal driver from the same set.

[Backpayne]

I would highly recommend getting this from Harbor Freight, too.http://m.harborfreight.com/10-piece-...set-95853.html

[East_Bound]

I'll have to pick one of those up. I learned from my last project on this truck it is better to have all of the right tools the first time.

Originally Posted by Backpayne

I would highly recommend getting this from Harbor Freight, too.http://m.harborfreight.com/10-piece-...set-95853.html

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by East_Bound

I'll have to pick one of those up. I learned from my last project on this truck it is better to have all of the right tools the first time.

That's the set I have. You will need to hide it from the neighbors or they will borrow it and you'll never see it again. Very worthwhile purchase.

[aerotruk63]

No PM received yet, manuals are ready to ship if I can get your address.