41 Cad Rear Bearing Number

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

Going thru my brakes and older work it was suggested that I change out the rear wheel bearings if I had not done so due to them being a self contained grease unit.  I pulled an axle today and noted the bearing spins freely but does show a little discoloring on the outer edge of the bearing where it contacts the axle housing.  The part number is FS 88128.  Made by Schatz.  Never heard of them and I checked my receipts to make certain I had not replaced them. 

Soooo, my question is, is that the correct part number and has anyone bought one recently to know where I might start?  And has anyone heard of Schatz?  Have not pulled the other side but if I am going to replace one I will do both.   

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Mike: The last rear axle bearings I bought were for the 47 and I bought those from Olde Car Bearing Co  down in I think North Carolina. Two numbers I have in my computer are 910-693-1943 or 910-693-3324. Ask for George. I have bought other bearings from him for my 41 as well as the 47 and always have been treated fairly. Bill

[Steve Passmore]

As Bill said Mike, George  Bachleda is your main man on bearings. Sadly he has no web site or email and if your going to search for him its actually one word.
'Olcar Bearings'
Fax: (910) 693-1943
135 James Creek Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387-6833

I bought my first bearing from him back in 1982 and he sent them here to the UK before he had even received payment.

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

Good info.  Thanks.  Will call him tomorrow.  BTW, when I pulled out the axle, I was able to that bare handed.  I was thinking last night that might be the reason for discoloration on the outside of the bearing.  Maybe it was spinning in the housing.  Should that axle have needed a tool to pull it out?  If so, then I may need to stake the new bearing somehow. 

I recall, many years ago, using NOS seals.  Those used a leather material instead of rubber.  Although the new seals were good at the time, and no miles driven since, I am concerned about those.  So will probably do that again with fresh seals if those feel dried out. 

[Bobby B]

  BTW, when I pulled out the axle, I was able to that bare handed.

You must be pretty Damn STRONG! I've had many struggles getting them out, even with the correct puller.......
                                                                                                              Bobby

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

Used to be Bobby.  Father time has taken its toll.  I was concerned because of the color and the ease of getting it out.  My 64 Chrysler has the same setup and requires a special puller to get the axle and bearing out after the drum is off.  Thus, my question, should there be an interference fit?  I plan to pull the other side today and if it comes out easily, maybe they are set up that way.  Both have been out before without mileage on the car but they were only torqued in and sat for years.

I also received a message from a member who has a set of new bearings that have been in dry storage.  Federal Mogul/ BCA number 514003.  Does that sound like the correct bearing?  The fellow back east can answer that I believe but someone reading this might know for sure.  I probably need to call him for seals even if the bearings are correct. 

[Steve Passmore]

I have had axles pull out easily and other have to have a slide hammer. Nether has made any difference to the running of the bearing because in theory its pressed in tightly by the backplate and cannot rotate.

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

Roger that.  BTW, I googled Schatz and they are still in the bearing business in New York but it appears they are mainly an industrial supplier.  No automotive listed on their site, although I know bearings cross over application for various uses.  Also, rummaging through my files I found a Fed Mogul bearing catalog for the 60's and 70's but not back to the 40's. 

[Steve Passmore]

Could be that Schatz bearing was only a close match and not a perfect size hence the turning??

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Mike; I just ran your Federal Mogul number by OReilly Auto parts and if you bring up the link below then click compatibility it should work for your car. Also it gives you current prices.  Bill

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BCA0/514003.oap?pt=03337&ppt=C0362#compatibilityTab_

[Steve Passmore]

Looks like the comparability list doesn't cover the 1941 with that number.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Steve: You are correct that it does not list the 41 but it does list 46-48 Series 62 which I believe uses the same axle shaft as the 41 Series 62. So I assumed the bearing will work on the 41-62.  Bill

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

Thanks to both.  I checked my bearing and the O.D. is the same as the National bearing but I am unable to measure the I.D since the bearing is on.  I will go back and check the axle diameter at the bearing.  The seal listed for the 48 seems different though.  With the seal in, I used an inside mic to come up with a seal O.D. of 2.616.  They show 2.378.  Now I need to see if National is now made in China.  At the price listed ($21), I kinda think so.  I have an Oreillys local so I will check on that just so we all know.  Still plan to call the other resource tomorrow to check on seals.  Want to check on a pinion seal behind the U joint too.  Put a new one in and it still leaks. 

[Steve Passmore]

Steve: You are correct that it does not list the 41 but it does list 46-48 Series 62 which I believe uses the same axle shaft as the 41 Series 62. So I assumed the bearing will work on the 41-62.  Bill

I think your right there Bill as it seems even the axle housing is the same Cadillac part number for these years so its just that comparability list that's wrong.

[Mike Wenrich #1666]

George had the bearings and seals.  The bearings are made in Japan and he said he has heard reports of the Chinese bearings having problems.  I have heard the same and would not use the cheaper bearings unless they were the only game in town.  With low driving miles they might last.  But if not, would have to do the job again.  I know the Japanese use better metals and feel okay with their products.  (Except their airbags) 

George IS old school.  Sending the parts and then said to send him payment based on the enclosed invoice.  If anyone needs his info, I can provide a phone number.