Hi Chuck,
>From: chuckc <chuckc@ibm.net>
>I hope to be installing new wheel bearings
>on all 4 this weekend. Any tips and helpful
>suggestions gratefully appreciated!
>
>Like, fer instance, what's the "best" way to get
>the bearings back into the hubs? Can I tap them, or
>will that make them come apart (as they did when I
>removed them)?
You can tap the outer race all you want but don't beat on the inner
race. I prefer to use a brass punch so that if you slip no damage is
done to the bearing or hub. Make sure the bearing seats all the way into
the hub. I coat the hub with a light smear of oil before tapping in the
bearing. Oh and make sure you get the thrust side of the bearings facing
the right directions. On the fronts If you are using the spacer torque
the front axle nut to the reccommended torque while spinning the hub. If
the hub starts to lock up the bearings are not seated properly pull the
hub and tap some more on them. If you are not using the spacer about
finger tight (5 ft lbs???) on the nut should be close to right.
>
>The BOOK sez to use grease on the rear wheel bearings.
>Howcum? Won't it be immediately washed off by the
>diff fluid? I don't see any way to keep it out.
>When the old bearings came out, they were liberally
>covered with oil film, but not a sign of grease.
>What gives?
It takes a little while and a few corners before the diff oil works its
way over to the bearings, the initial greasing keeps them from running
dry when you first get going.
I think I'll be putting new brake shoes on the front of the Bugeye this
weekend (Yes it's still got drum brakes).
Peter S.
Charlotte NC
'59 Bugeye
'62 Midget
'71 Midget
'80 Pinto
and 2 or 3 parts cars.
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