Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or no?
 

OK, I don't want this to become a huge debate, but it is recommended to replace the bearing races in the hubs when you install new bearings?

I was lucky enough to find NOS, Ford Script front wheel bearings. I don't not have NOS or OEM bearing races. I have new, National brand which are made in Spain.

The front hubs have the original US-made Timken races in them.

So the question is, do I replace the races or leave the originals in if they do not show signs of wear or pitting?

Thanks,

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

If the National races match the contour of the bearing I would use them otherwise don't. The original bearings were mostly made by Timken I believe.

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

I'd be inclined to not change the bearings at all as long as the old ones are in good condition. Re using the new bearings on the existing races, It's probably not advised, but why not just give it a go? How many miles do you intend to do?

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

Thanks, all. I just looked again. The smaller bearings are Ford script with Timken font part numbers and the larger ones say Timken, not Ford.

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

Yea, I'd inspect and re-use if there isn't any noticeable wear or corrosion. The price of new bearings add up pretty quick.

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

You just might get away with it... but, I was taught during my apprenticeship that you NEVER put a used race on a new bearing due to the fact that the old race has worn to match the old bearing. Put a new bearing in there and it isn't going to have a perfect surface to wear against so will probably wear faster. It was also that way when working on aircraft...

But yours might go another 100,000 miles. Your choice ;-)

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

You can try the other new race, or a new timken race shouldn't be hard to find.

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

Makes sense. I'll put new races in. Do it right once, right?

Re: Silly question: Always replace bearing races when new bearings are installed or
 

never mix brands in cup and cone sets and always replace cup and cone as a set you can mix brands in inner and outer sets reason being that different manufacturers have different tolerances that are taken up as sets and cup and cones wear mate to each other