Don't get too wrapped up about that rumored "better bearing".

AFAIK, all that happened was as the vans got heavier and got power
steering VW saw the need to increase the diameter of the front spindle
shaft end. This meant a different outer bearing with a larger inside
diameter. The switch to ET30 offset wheels may also have been a factor.
If someone has some other reasonable explanation I would like to hear it.

Mark

neil n wrote:
> I had early signs of failure on my outer fronts. Likely this was due
> to mal adjustment by me. Still I was curious about your comments.
>
> Googling PN's from the vanagonauts BTDT website:
> http://www.vanagonauts.com/-Wheel-Bearings154.htm
>
> This PN: "Front Outer Bearing Part # 211 405 645 D Fits 83-84 Thru
> Chassis # 24E015000"  I got:
>
> http://www.autocarspare.com/catalog/wheel-bearing-rep.-kit/211405645ds.html  and
>
> http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-211-405-645-DGR
>
> Seems some early MY Vanagons used the bearing design from WAY back.
>
> For: "Front Outer Bearing Part # 251 405 645 B Fits Mid 84- 92 From
> Ch.# 24E015001" found:
>
> http://www.autocarspare.com/catalog/wheel-bearing-rep.-kit/251405645b.html
>
> IIRC, the older Vanagons, have a different spindle OD on the steering
> knuckle so those of us with the early type bearings can't simply
> install the newer (better) outer bearings.      :(
>
> Neil.
>
>