Hot Rods 55 Oldsmobile Inner Front Wheel Bearing Upgrade.

Has anyone found a roller bearing replacement for the factory ball bearing units used on the 55 Oldsmobiles. Have heard of alternatives for 55 Chevrolets but nothing for the Oldsmobiles. I have had people tell me that there is nothing wrong with the ball bearing units so why was the Timkin bearing developed and replaced the ball bearing.

 

When I replaced my brothers bearings on his 56 Holiday with ball bearings sourced from a local bearing distributor here in Ohio.
BDI-Bearing Distributors is their current name I believe they have locations across the country. The main difference I've seen between ball and taper is the ball bearings need to be maintained more often than taper bearings. We repacked and adjusted his once a year so depending on your driving habits I guess it could be more often. Joe

 

It's not that hard to repack them every year

 

Not at all just have to remember to do it as part of a spring maintenance maybe. Gives you a chance to adjust and inspect the brakes. Joe

 

Thanks for all the good advice, but would still like to find someone that has done this conversion.