I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But, they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in 75-76, 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of the day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing Russian Roulette with all chambers loaded.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

Matt,
I had a 97 chevy 4x4 with 350k miles and never changed front bearings.

On Sun, Jul 9, 2017 at 10:26 AM, Matt Colie wrote:

> James Hupy wrote on Sun, 09 July 2017 11:37
>> I think that is one wheel that does not need much re-invention. The rear
> spindles and bearings are very much up to the task required of them. But,
>> they require periodic maintence. The coach is very much a product of the
> 70's, with engineering that precedes that time frame. No sealed throw away
>> unitized hubs to be found. Up until the HEI ignition was fitted in
> 75-76, 10,000 mile plug changes and points and condenser were the order of
> the
>> day. Wheel bearings needed to be disassembled and repacked with fresh
> grease. Still do. If you neglect your maintenance, it is like playing
> Russian
>> Roulette with all chambers loaded.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Or
>> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> Jim,
>
> Your observations are largely correct, but the problem with the rear
> bearings is simple that the grease of the day oxidized badly and with very
> little
> provocation. This was the same issue with the front bearings.
>
> While bearing seals are better, the real change there was materials that
> don't age as badly. These materials are used in all the new seals as well.
> Even OE had validated it for use in the few numbers still in production.
>
> How good is the new grease?
> Well we have two cars in the garage. Both have sealed front wheel
> bearings and one had one replaced at 150K when about 10 years old. The
> other and
> the rears are still there. That is the NEW car. The other is 22 years
> old and is somewhere north of 200K and that is unknown, it could be a lot
> more.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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