Anyone know the generic part # for rear wheel bearings?, And what shall I do while the arms are off? Options

[stugray]

Years ago, I needed to replace the bearings on either my Ghia or 914, and the VW dealer wanted an arm & leg for OEM.

I took the part number from the bearing and called a local bearing specialty house in Denver, and they had the exact same part for less than 1/4 of what the dealer wanted.

Anyone know a cross ref. part number for rear wheel bearings?

How about the dozens of bearings on ebay? Any good?
Any ideas for the best deal?

Oh, and what is the deal with the rear bearing seals?
The manual states that if these are damaged, the entire trailing arm needs to be replaced...

While I'm at it. Both arms are off and I am cleaning them up.
What does everyone suggest I do while I have them off?

I plan on painting them, but what else should I do while I'm at it?

I have the welder at the ready, so I could do some reinforcing too.

Stu

[Cap'n Krusty]

It destroys the bearings. No way would I install a "generic" bearing in this application, ESPECIALLY a Chinese made part. Do it right, do it once. BTW, after you press in the bearing (or use the "chill and drop" method, you MUST press (or draw) the hub into place. NEVER hammer it. Ever.

The Cap'n

[andys]

It destroys the bearings. No way would I install a "generic" bearing in this application, ESPECIALLY a Chinese made part. Do it right, do it once. BTW, after you press in the bearing (or use the "chill and drop" method, you MUST press (or draw) the hub into place. NEVER hammer it. Ever.

The Cap'n

I don't think I'd have a problem with installing a Timken 513106 "generic" bearing; I suspect it X-ref's with all the majors (FAG, Fafnir, etc, etc). I agree with avoiding the Chinese ones.

Andys