Determining AA rear wheel bearing type

[trevorsworth]

Hello all. My 1931 AA is running and driving and we've just finished putting wood in the cab. There are some areas of the chassis which need attention but overall the truck is healthy.



Most concerning to me at this time is the rear wheel bearings. With the rear supported on a jack I am able to grab the wheels and move them around quite a lot. The truck rolls easy and doesn't make any noise but something is obviously loose. I am assuming the bearings are bad.

I understand that there were two types of bearings used in these rear ends, a one piece and a two piece. Is there any way to tell from the outside what my truck has? I'm concerned that once I take it apart I will not be able to put it back together without new bearings in hand.

I also am in need of some measurements for the wood rails to mount my 187A platform bed...


Thanks!

[Fullraceflathead]

That sounds like a definite area of concern I wonder if the axles and hubs are slightly loose and not torque tight?

[trevorsworth]

I haven't looked too much into the rear wheel assembly yet. This truck has needed one of everything and I am still learning so much. Is that something, like those on my car, that I can check/tighten without pulling the drums?

[Stew Masche]

This is from the January 1931 Service Bulletins.
It also describes servicing the AA rear axle, among other things.
If you don’t have a copy, you should get one. Very helpful book.
Hope this helps

[Chris Haynes]

The bearing races on the axle housing are often badly worn. Mine were so bad that looking at the end of the housing it looked like the letter D, with the flat spot on the bottom, and not the letter O.

[Bob C]

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Ford first used one wide rear bearing and in April 1931 they went
to two narrower bearings on each side.

Here are some pictures and links that may help.
http://forums.aa-fords.com/viewtopic...ilit=rear+drum

http://forums.aa-fords.com/viewtopic...lit=brake+drum

[spdway1]

Does anyone have a modern-day bearing part number?

[Bob C]

I looked in my bearing interchange and the only bearing besides Ford was Bower J92-3657. Probably made out of unobtainium like the Ford bearings.

[trevorsworth]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Ford first used one wide rear bearing and in April 1931 they went
to two narrower bearings on each side.

Here are some pictures and links that may help.
http://forums.aa-fords.com/viewtopic...ilit=rear+drum

http://forums.aa-fords.com/viewtopic...lit=brake+drum

Thanks. I did not realize there was a fitting on the outside of the hub due to the amount of grease caked around it. I was able to pump the bearings full of fresh grease today and also found the axle nut was loose on the passenger side. I have it about bottomed out (beneath where the cotter pin can catch the castle nut) but it should ride for a while - I'm not driving this truck very much obviously.


I have had a hell of a time finding the bearings so this will enable me to continue using the truck around the shop & for short parts and lunch runs until I'm able to find some.

[trevorsworth]

Originally Posted by Stew Masche

This is from the January 1931 Service Bulletins.
It also describes servicing the AA rear axle, among other things.
If you don’t have a copy, you should get one. Very helpful book.
Hope this helps

https://www.amazon.com/Model-Ford-Se.../dp/0911160280


Is this the book? Sounds super helpful.

[Oldcarbearings]

Ford part numbers: BB1225 SKF I-92370 bearing , FORD BB-1236 inner race/sleeve: SKF I-90416 HYATT 00536,BOWER J662456,inner race/sleeve HYATT/RBC 37155, BOWER F-68-1236 inner race/sleeve NONE of the USA brands : BALTZER/BOWER/HYATT/RBC make wound journal roller bearings ,i'd advise&suggest either looking, searching for N.O.S. FORD HYATT/BOWER/RBC, OR there's a modern metric cylindrical roller bearing conversion that's been tried&proven by one of our customer's who's a member on this forum in his A model &he's travelled thousands of km's with this conversion &never ever expereinced/had a breakdown his username is : synchro909, i'd search for him &ask him what's involved i.e. machining required to fit the modern metric cylindrical roller bearing conversion cheers Adrian.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by trevorsworth

https://www.amazon.com/Model-Ford-Se.../dp/0911160280


Is this the book? Sounds super helpful.

Yes but that one is stupid expensive. Get the larger one
it's easier to read.
https://www.brattons.com/PAPERBACK-M...uctinfo/37340/

[katy]

Originally Posted by trevorsworth

found the axle nut was loose on the passenger side. I have it about bottomed out (beneath where the cotter pin can catch the castle nut) but it should ride for a while - I'm not driving this truck very much obviously.

There should be a (hardened) washer (AA-1124) under the nut.

[spdway1]

Originally Posted by Oldcarbearings

Ford part numbers: BB1225 SKF I-92370 bearing , FORD BB-1236 inner race/sleeve: SKF I-90416 HYATT 00536,BOWER J662456,inner race/sleeve HYATT/RBC 37155, BOWER F-68-1236 inner race/sleeve NONE of the USA brands : BALTZER/BOWER/HYATT/RBC make wound journal roller bearings ,i'd advise&suggest either looking, searching for N.O.S. FORD HYATT/BOWER/RBC, OR there's a modern metric cylindrical roller bearing conversion that's been tried&proven by one of our customer's who's a member on this forum in his A model &he's travelled thousands of km's with this conversion &never ever expereinced/had a breakdown his username is : synchro909, i'd search for him &ask him what's involved i.e. machining required to fit the modern metric cylindrical roller bearing conversion cheers Adrian.

WOW, Thank you, Adrian!

[rotorwrench]

I'd check with Southside Obsolete. He has a lot of NOS stuff.