1961 Catalina/Safari fnt wheel bearings from ball to: roller

[thunderplex]

Does anybody know if there is a cross reference for the wheels bearings for a 1961 Catalina/Safari? - - from a ball bearing to tapered roller.

Was the front wheel bearing the same for 61 and 62? I've heard that 62 had tapered roller bearings, true or false?

thanks,
thunderplex

[Larry]

In checking the Hollander Interchange manuals, I find that the '61 inner and outer front wheel bearings are indeed ball-type. However, each (front and rear) listing also notes a number same as the ball bearing number with an "R" on the end and the note "Tapered Replacement."

Unfortunately as is common with Hollander, the rest of the information hunt pretty much hits a brick wall, because it does not tell you what these "tapered replacements" are by either number or application. I am pretty sure though that they are not just the same ones as used in '62.

The only other info I was able to gleen from their many charts was a Ball Bearing number by New Departure Company of 909067 (outer) followed by a 909067R-- also by New departure Co. but perhaps a tapered version...? It also listed a Hyatt Bearing number of A113158Y. Is the Hyatt a tapered bearing?

The inner bearing is listed as a New Departure Co. number 909070 (ball bearing), followed by a Hyatt number of A153213Y. Is this Hyatt bearing a tapered one...?

Perhaps a Hyatt Bearing contact (try a Google search) will answer these questions.

The good news is that a tapered version is shown in the Hollander listings for 1961 Pontiac. The bad news is, it doesn't spell out what or where on the tapered replacements.

Please keep us informed as you investigate this so we can share it with others.

[stevep]

I had seen the tapered replacement bearing show up on Ebay while I was looking for parts for my 60, but that was a few years ago. They were NOT cheap. I tried to get a part #, but never could.
You may want to try a bearing specialist that has been in business for many years. He may have a listing.