MTFCA Forum

I recently obtained an original copy of the Hyatt Roller bearing catalog covering the period from 1897 - 1916.

In it, Model T Ford axle bearings are listed as part number 16080 for the RH side of the car and 16079 for the LH side.

I wonder why Ford specified different part numbers for the two sides, perhaps the rollers are wound in different directions?

Hi Mark,
That is interesting because the rollers alternate left & right windings. Maybe then they where all one direction for each side? and changed later so only one part was needed for both sides.
Craig.

That might be so - does anyone have a later Hyatt bearing catalog that covers the years after 1916? If yes, does it show a change to a single part number for both sides, and if so, when?

Never mind, the light bulb just came on, duh! The different part numbers are because of the sleeves being different from side to side, not the rollers!

Right and left side sleeves have different locations for the locating dimple and grease hole. If I recall, the chevron cuts are opposite as well.

Easy explanation, Hyatt sold the ‘complete bearing’, bearing and race (sleeve), you got the correct left or right sleeve that way!

As an OT aside, my 1912 Flanders uses the same Hyatt bearing part number for both sides (different part number from Ford). I noticed that the bearing sleeves have neither the locating dimples, nor the hole for an extraction tool to fit into. How did they ever expect shops to get the sleeves out? Luckily, mine are still in good shape.

The different part numbers are because of the sleeves being different from side to side, not the rollers!

Correct, I understand that they were sold as sets, sleeve and beating..

That makes sense. Maybe we complicate things a little by what we have to deal with when we buy parts to day.
Craig.