Hi, George -
The subject of the function of the bearing spacer has come up numerous times
during the 13 years I have been on this list. It is my opinion (I was an
aircraft structural engineer for 35 years), plus the opinion of several
other structural engineers I had access to during my working career, that
the spacer has no significant strengthening effect on the spindle. Also,
there was a bearing engineer who worked for Torrington Bearings on this list
several years ago, and he stated that the function of the spacer is only to
pre-load the bearings and remove their inherent free-play. That is a common
technique in the bearing world. The shims used with the spacer allow the
pre-load to be "tuned" precisely.
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC USA
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces@autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of George Haywood
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 5:10 PM
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Front wheel bearing 'distance piece'
This ought to start something with the engineers out there: With my limited
experience after studying my hubs during the rebuild I believe the distance
pieces are used just to get the proper end float of the hubs. The distance
pieces along with the shims ride on the bearings from the inboard side
allowing a very accurate end float measurement (distance) to be obtained. I
do not think they are primarily associated with strength. If the pieces are
not present you cannot set the end float therefore possibly placing too much
lateral force on the bearings when tightening the castle nut to the
specified
torque setting of 70 ft lbs.
Just my opinion,
George Haywood
'65 bj8
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