spridgets
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Re: Front Wheel Bearings...

To: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Front Wheel Bearings...
From: Richard Shipman <mbelect@mindspring.com>
Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 17:56:21 -0400
Reply-to: Richard Shipman <mbelect@mindspring.com>
Sender: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net
>Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 17:53:36 -0400
>To: "Steve Byers" <byers@cconnect.net>
>From: Richard Shipman <mbelect@mindspring.com>
>Subject: Re: Front Wheel Bearings...
>Cc: spritgets@autox.team.net
>
>Hi Steve,
>
>I understand what you're saying, but if you remove the bearing spacer and
put a *very* gentle pre-loading on the bearings, all the loading will
automatically be on the thrust faces of said bearings. They are just being
"pushed together" thrust face to thrust face...
>
>As far as tapered roller bearings go, I believe they are even more of a
"directional" thrust bearing only more obviously so...
>
>Still a bit confused and not convinced the bearing spacer is really needed...
>
>
>Richard
>'74 MG Midget
>'68 MGBGT
>'58 Morris Minor
>
>
>
>At 05:02 PM 5/8/99 -0400, you wrote:
>>Hi, Richard!
>>
>>The ball bearings used in the Spridget wheel are the type of bearings that
>>can only take a thrust load in one direction.  That is why the bearings are
>>marked "thrust" on one side.  If they are loaded in the other direction, it
>>is very easy to push the cage and balls out of the race.  The bearings are
>>installed so that the "thrust" side of each bearing is facing the "thrust"
>>side of the other bearing, with the spacer between.  The purpose of the
>>spacer is to transfer the load on one bearing that is in the "wrong"
>>direction to the other bearing, which resists this load because it is being
>>loaded in the "right" (thrust) direction, thereby keeping the cages and
>>balls intact.  
>>
>>Most cars use tapered roller bearings in the wheel, which do not have the
>>"thrust" problem of the ball bearings, therefore do not need the spacer.
>>
>>The spacer does not add any strength to the axle, but if you are using the
>>"thrust" ball bearings in the wheel, it should be there.   
>>
>>Steve Byers
>>Havelock, NC USA
>>'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G  "OO NINE"
>>"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool
>>than to speak, and remove all doubt"  -- Mark Twain
>>
>>
>>----------
>>> From: Richard Shipman <mbelect@mindspring.com>
>>> To: spridgets@autox.team.net
>>> Subject: Front Wheel Bearings...
>>> Date: Saturday, May 08, 1999 11:50 AM
>>> 
>>> Greetings fellow spridgeteers!
>>> 
>>> My name is Richard and I've been lurking on the list for awhile and have
>>> found it both informative and entertaining. I am in the process of
>>restoring
>>> a 1974 MG Midget and have started on the front suspension. I have a
>>question
>>> about wheel bearings... the ball bearings look like new but when the hub
>>is
>>> assembled, there is always a small amount of wheel-rock present. I'm
>>tempted
>>> to remove the "bearing spacer" in the assembly and tighten the retaining
>>nut
>>> just until snug, then back off to the next nearest cotter pin hole
>>position.
>>> This I believe would allow me to adjust the play out of the assembly, but
>>> leaves me with a bad feeling since I'm leaving out a part that the
>>original
>>> designers considered necessary. On the other hand, many other cars front
>>> wheel bearings do not have this spacer. My apologies to the list if this
>>> topic has been covered. Any and all advise is welcome.
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance
>>> 
>>> Richard Shipman
>>> '74 MG Midget
>>> '68 MGBGT
>>> '58 Morris Minor
>>
>


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