'Green' bearings... Any known issues?

[db]

The bearings that my axle (S&W 9") came with had been on less than 500 miles but had stood 3-4years before use. When I stripped them out due to a major oil leak, I found the seals very badly cracked. I don't think they were 'Green' but were that type.
I replaced those with genuine Green bearings. After 2 years & 1500 miles, these have now both failed. The left side has very slight play and is oozing, the right side has noticeable play and has a severe leak. I've not inspected closely yet to see if the seals are split like the previous set or if it's just the play that's allowing the fluid through.

At nearly £100 a pair inc delivery, this is no longer funny

I've heard they're not suitable for circuit racing/ serious cornering, etc, but my car doesn't come near that category!

Anyone had issues?

[Pete]

BUT....you have very wide tyres on the back and that must create a significant side load when turning / hooning...

[MrNorm]

I've heard they're not suitable for circuit racing/ serious cornering, etc,

Those who have had issues, of which there are many, say it is more accurate to say "these are only suitable for straight line racing (due as you say to the lack of side load capacity).

There are also many who have used them with no problem. So this has always struck me as one of those issues where people have different experiences and opinions, and will continue to, but it is undeniable fact to say that Greens have vastly inferior side loading capacity to the tapered bearings, and that (proportionately) vastly more people have experienced side loading failure using these than when using the tapered bearings

[db]

I've read similar Gav.
Sadly tapers would be a difficult and expensive option due to my axles being non-stock length, etc. Something for consideration though...
I guess for now I have to accept new bearings will be part of my annual service

[Dave999]

heat would cause the seals to degrade

but the fact you have oozing seals indicates that some lube must be getting there.

many trucks use ball bearings in deep groove races
but they probably also use some kind of positive location of the axle shafts in the centre, the truck equivalent of C clips etc

does a ford axle have c clip or similar? or are the axles held in as per mopar with a press fit collar holding the bearing on?

are you missing a positive "stop" in the diff centre for your half shafts
whilst using Ball bearings

side load on 1 should be transferred to the end of the other by a chunk of metal that is the right size not to load up either bearing whilst driving straight ahead, then both axle bearings support the side load under any odd mismatch in traction between the wheels

cone/taperd roller bearing axles don't always need this positive stop, or it is designed into the centre so you don't know it is there, but in most cases I think the inner ends just float in the spline, and side thrust is taken by collar and bearing at the hub end.

or on the other hand maybe you do have the positive stop and it is too fat or your axles are too long, either way bearing would be loaded into its outer side of the race all the time, narrower contact patch, gets hotter and it wasn't designed for that.

ball bearings:- force perpendicular to the axis of the shaft they support, the longer that is the case the longer they last.


Dave

[Pete.S]

Green style sealed bearings are not recomened to be used with stops in the diff .


Edit...... this may be your issue. Are you on diff or spool? Remove shafts and take a look with a light you may see a cross pin if you have a diff but if on a spool you will see straight through but if theres a button it will look like a solid stop...

[db]

There's no stop in the diff, it's a Ford 9" copy with a Detroit Locker.
I had Mopar 8 3/4" ends welded on so I could retain Mopar brakes, stud pattern, etc.

I suspect it's as has been said, it's down to geometry- Big wheels/ tyres, huge offset, heavy car, Welsh twisty roads = rapid wear of something not designed for side loads!

So if I change to tapers...
I'd have to get new shafts made to the correct length, allowing for the centre 'button'. The bearings will come with an adjuster, etc.
I fit them, adjust and voila! ???

[Mick70RR]

I've had green bearings in the Road Runner for 12 years and done thousands of street miles without a problem.

[db]

And there are a lot of reports of people like yourself who have run them for years Mick, I just can't see how they can be fine in one car and crap in another

[Pete]

Have you had a bar put through from one side to another to confirm the axle case is in line and not twisted / bent?

Just a thought.

[Pete.S]

Might be worth putting a narrowing jig in the case to check if its true or not.

Has it had a back brace put on etc after the housing ends were put on?

Again ive done thousands of miles around beford and mk ( roundabout central) on sealed bearings and no problemes...

[Pete.S]

Edit.... double post....

[Pete]

"SNAP"!!

Great minds think alike!!!

[Pete.S]

Damn pete we must be connected....!!

[mopar_mark]

Damn pete we must be connected....!!

Scary ...