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Drivetrain => Differentials, Axles & Brakes => Topic started by: BuickGS65 on August 04, 2020, 08:11:17 PM

Title: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: BuickGS65 on August 04, 2020, 08:11:17 PM
I wanted to post all the information I have about 1965 rear axle bearings, since there are differences among Skylark, Sportwagon & Gran Sport.

1965 GRAN SPORT & 64-65 SPORT WAGON BEARINGS
GM Part # 907717, 907690 or 391744
RW507AR (with retainer) or RW507A
Larger diameter than Skylark
No longer made(?) but harder to find at the very least!

1965 - 1967 SKYLARK
GM Part # 907664 or 907682
RW507C or RW507CR (with retainer)
Still made

1966 - 1968 GRAN SPORT & SPORTWAGON
GM Part # 907884
RW507G or RW507GR (with retainer)

Perhaps make a "sticky" thread?
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: 65GSConv on August 04, 2020, 08:34:09 PM
So if a rear axle bearing goes out on a 65 Gran Sport, there is no repair option for it?
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: WkillGS on August 04, 2020, 09:02:29 PM
So if a rear axle bearing goes out on a 65 Gran Sport, there is no repair option for it?

There's a 'how-to' on Buicks.net. The GS/Sportwagon bearing has a larger OD than the 507C bearing....the article details how an adapter bushing was installed to fit the smaller OD 507C bearing into the larger GS/Sportwagon housing.

Some additional info....The 66-68 GS/Sportwagon used a RW507G bearing which has the RW507A bearings OD and also a larger ID for the bigger axles.
The 'R' suffix in the bearing # indicates it includes the press-on bearing retainer.
Finding the correct axle seal for these has been difficult in the past. Unsure what is currently available.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: Loren At 65GS on August 04, 2020, 09:13:08 PM
I just did a google search for the RW507 AR and came up with multiple sources.  It appears to be in production ? [ take note of "?" ]
One listing is from a company called MIBearings LLC in Traverse City, MI.  Their listing shows the manufacture as Timkin . Need to call for a price.

 I don't know if these are American made or ?

  Loren
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on August 05, 2020, 11:36:25 AM
Should a guy be buying a couple of these to have on hand just in case?
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: gssizzler on August 05, 2020, 12:53:39 PM
I’ve done that already! Also not a bad idea to carry a set with on trips! In the emergency kit!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: WkillGS on August 06, 2020, 10:16:59 AM
Should a guy be buying a couple of these to have on hand just in case?
Absolutely!
There are some 1965 RW507A's on eBay starting at $35. The 66-68 'G's' show up far less often.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on August 06, 2020, 10:54:59 AM
Is the part # different for 66 Skylark Gran Sport?
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: 2x4 gransport on August 06, 2020, 02:47:27 PM
I had a rear axle bearing go out last fall,couldn't find the correct one looked for three weeks, finally found a nos one in Washington state.💲💲💲
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: BuickGS65 on August 06, 2020, 03:03:45 PM
Is the part # different for 66 Skylark Gran Sport?

Jim:

66-68 GS & Sportwagon are the same. GM # 907884.

I don't have the universal #.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on August 06, 2020, 03:17:36 PM
Thank you! I did pick up 1 for the 65 so far.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: gssizzler on August 07, 2020, 06:48:24 AM
To be safe you could do like my buddy does now after losing a bearing on a long road trip and having to pull the axle in the hotel parking lot! He takes a axle that already has a bearing pressed on it! Ready to go! Plus can carry a spare bearing in the tool kit!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: BuickGS65 on August 07, 2020, 12:18:28 PM
First post updated...

Walt - I couldn't find that post on Buicks.net - can you please provide a link?  Thanks!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on August 07, 2020, 05:16:53 PM
OK, I secured some 65 ones, now need to find some for the 66.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on August 13, 2020, 06:34:09 PM
I have the 65 ones now but need a pair for a 66. If anyone sees a lead let me know.

1966 - 1968 GRAN SPORT & SPORTWAGON
GM Part # 907884
RW507G or RW507GR (with retainer)

Thanks!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on September 25, 2020, 02:21:13 PM
Found one for the 66 so have a spare for both years now. Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: Rollaround on September 30, 2023, 08:56:44 PM
Stimulating an old post here.
 The RW 507 AR bearing is currently listed on Amazon for $15.
 Has anyone tried this source?
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on October 01, 2023, 06:46:54 AM
The RW507-AR for the 65 seems a lot easier to find than the RW507-GR for the 66. That seems like a very good price if correct part!
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: Rollaround on October 01, 2023, 10:00:56 AM
Jim, any info on the ID and OD dimensions of the 65 GS bearing are.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: cwmcobra on October 01, 2023, 11:38:18 AM
I haven't used the brand, but doing a search i found that Coast to Coast is apparently a brand and subsidiary of Bearing Technologies, Ltd.

http://www.c2cparts.com/ (http://www.c2cparts.com/)

http://www.brgtec.com/ (http://www.brgtec.com/)

Another subsidiary is North Coast Bearings, which has a strategic alliance with Timken to market products under the DT Components brand.
 
http://www.dtcomponents.com/ (http://www.dtcomponents.com/)

It sounds like the products are manufactured in a variety of factories, some in the USA, but probably others offshore. With design, oversight, and QC by the parent company in Ohio, and the relationship with Timken, it would seem to be a reputable company.

i note that the C2C bearings on Amazon are out of stock at both price points.

 :cheers2:

Chuck
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: Rollaround on October 01, 2023, 09:58:33 PM
Thanks for the research Chuck. We’ll find out soon; I ordered a set with a delivery date of 23 Oct. 
I’m upgrading the rear end 3.08 to 3.55 and adding positraction. The sooner I can procure all required parts the better.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS Bill on October 17, 2023, 08:19:31 PM
I'm just adding some info to the bearing post.
I have a 65 Skylark Sport Coupe.   The right rear axle bearing self destructed on me.  I ordered the bearing kit RW507CR including seals and retainers.  I pulled the axle, removed all the old parts and pressed on the new bearings.  I slipped the axle in and found out the bearing OD is too small.
I pulled the left side out and saw the bearing is stamped RW507AR. 
Not sure why I have the GS bearings in my axle assembly but it makes the job a lot more difficult.  As Loren stated previously, MI Bearings does sell the ones for the GS.  Cost is $129.95.  They are located iin Traverse City, MI.
https://mibearings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3834_7237&products_id=169588
I measured my original bearings: OD 2.890 in.  ID 1.353 ( I measured OD of the axle).
Hope this helps others

Bill
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: GS66 on October 18, 2023, 06:51:24 AM
I already have spares but ordered a pair of these from Amazon and they arrived but I have not looked them over yet.
Title: Re: 1965 Rear Axle Bearings - everything you need to know
Post by: Rollaround on October 26, 2023, 01:28:16 PM
Of note. I just rebuilt my 65 GS rear end, adding Posi traction and changing from 3.08 to 3.55 gears.  I ordered the RW507AR bearing from Amazon it was a perfect fit.
I also have an extra set if anyone is in need.