Hi guys

So I have new wheel bearings and brakes to assemble on my front end.

Currently they are backing plates and bare spindles.

Should the inner bearing be a press fit? What is the best way to get this on straight?
I managed to remove the outer races from 1 drum hopefully I will get the other drum done today. Are these races supposed to be a press fit too?

What is correct procedure?

Cheers
Nicko

I assume that you are using the original type ball bearings,a piece of tubing that is a clearance fit is used to fit the inner bearing seat to the stub axle,fit the inner and outer bearing cups into the hub,pack the bearings with a good quality high temp wheel bearing grease ( I use the caltex Liplex which comes in a cartridge) fit the inner race into the cup then fit the seal,pack some bearing grease into the void between the bearing cups,a smear of grease on the seal lip and slide the hub carefully onto the stub axle,fit the outer race into the hub,fit the washer and nut,adjust the bearing,fit the tab and lock nut,recheck the adjustment and lock the tabs.The main thing to remember is keep everything clean and if you use disposable gloves such as Black Lightning when you are finished simply throw them away and your hands are clean.

Thanks grumble

I am using newer style roller bearings.

I should have been more specific.

What is the best way to fit the outer races into the hubs? Do I need a press?
When the inner bearing and grease seal are fitted to the hub, should the hub just slide onto the stub axle? Or should it be a press fit? Mine is suuuuppppper tight.

I use a large socket as a drift and just tap them in with a mallet.

A good pin punch will do but care is needed to keep the race straight in the hub. Both bearing inner races should be a neat slide onto the stub, otherwise they will be painfully sticking to the stub when servicing the brakes.

SKF have a good document about different ways of fitting bearings and the impact it has on the life of the bearing, it is very hard at home to fit them with basic tools, at work all bearing/housings are heated with a induction heater to 120 degrees, but this is impractical at home, i use a hydraulic press for the outers on my cars and as Matt says the inners should just slide on.

If you are converting from early ball bearings to tapered rollers, there may be a diffetence in the tolerance on the stub axle.
It IS the same nominal size, but i do recall a tolerance/fit difference, particularly on the inner bearing.
Otherwise check for burrs(Raymonds).
Use a good work shop manual and you will learn alot.

The inner closest to the backing plate is definitely not a neat slide onto the stub. I would have to tap the bearing onto the stub.

Is this because of the roller bearings? Is there a solution to this?

Matt - can I pay you to fit the outer races into my drums?

Yes mate, call if you wish

use emery tape to sand the stub to size

Cheers Matt.
Couldn't get through on your mobile.

Would Monday be a good time to pick up the engine and bring the drums down?

Gotta pack it in for the day now as I have a wedding to go to.

I'm eager to get this thing rolling again.

Thanks for the advice guys.

New races are in the drums after some advice from Matt.

Sanded the spindle lightly and now have a good fit for the inner bearings.

I never hit a bearing and i have seen a outer race chipped, i made some aluminium disc's that i use to press the bearing into place and as above it is best to use eye protection when working on your car doing anything, if you use safety glasses all the time it becomes second nature.

Hi

I use the old out race to get them started and then tap them in with a 25mm brass drift. I usually have to redress the brass drift a few times as it gets knocked around by the bearing.

Steve

edit you need to feel that dud thud when the bearing bottoms out in the housing otherwise the bearing is not seated properly