Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

[Chuck G.]

I've been working under the 54 for the past several weeks. I noticed a very slight bit of play in the so called "third arm" bearing. Removed the nut, and took the two halves of the third arm apart. I removed the "C" ring. Should the bearing fall out? It didn't. It seems to be really stuck up in there. Two questions....how much play is acceptable, and how do you get it out without heat/brute force? Remember, I'm working on my back, upside down, and don't want to destroy the bearing getting it out. If it's OK, I'll clean it up, repack it,and put it back in. Chuck

[Patrick T.]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

Chuck, I don't have the manual, actually I can't find it, but when I rebuilt the front end on the '57, I had the 3rd arm out on the bench. I'm very sure the bearing is pressed on, because I tried everything to get it off.

Since there didn't seem to be any problem in rotation or excessive bearing wear, I went to the motorcycle shop and picked up a can of chain lubricant, the kind that sprays on thin, but after about 2 minutes, thickens up to regular bearing grease. I sprayed plenty of that up under the dust seal, and never had any problem. Of course this probably won't work upside down. FWIW. Patrick

[John M.]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

Chuck, the bearing will not just fall out. In most cases it will be rusted and stuck to the housing. It will require a slide hammer puller and probably an application of heat with a torch, the heat will be of great help as the cast will expand at a much higher rate than the bearing. You should be able to buy a new bearing at your nearby bearing supply house as it not a special bearing that is used only on corvettes. You will need to buy a new foam seal to keep the water out of the housing. John

[Chuck G.]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

I think I'll try Patrick's chain oil trick. The bearing looks good. There is just a very minute amount of play..a few thousandth's by my estimate. I think I'll leave "well enough alone" and just grease it and put a new seal on. Thanks. Chuck

[Dale Pearman]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

I have a special tool made for pulling third arm bearings without damaging them. I loan it out with a deposit. The play you speak of indicates a worn bearing. Beware of the expanded cell rubber gasket sold by the aftermarket houses. It traps water. Cut a hand made gasket of neoprene rubber instead. Regular chassis grease is correct for this bearing.

Dale Pearman

[Mark S.]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

Dale is right on the seal. I ordered one from CC and it doesn't even come close to the original. I used my old one.

[Robert C.]

Re: Third Arm Bearing, 53-62 Questions

Chuck, Having just finished this job on my '56 I followed my trusty Corvette Service Guide dated 1962-G.M. Corp.Unfortunitely you will have to remove it from the car which is easy.Then remove seal. Remove snap ring.Place nut on stud and lock nut securely in a vise.While holding other end of arm, use a hammer and tap around arm opening to remove stud and bearing.To replace stud and bearing best to use a press but a piece of pipe would help to hammer it in. Worked for me. Good luck.