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Re: Front hub cap removal

To: spitfires@autox.team.net, carbuff@nac.net
Subject: Re: Front hub cap removal
From: Gary Tash <tashg@bmi.net>
Date: Sun, 01 Aug 1999 14:29:45 -0700
Now that is something I should have thought of trying in all those hours of
sitting a staring at that little hole.
Thank you.
Gary

Atwell Haines wrote:

> At 08:53 PM 07/31/1999 -0700, Gary Tash wrote:
> >
> >While doing some clean up work on the engine compartment I discovered
> >that my front hubs have noticeable lateral movement, feels like an
> >in/out movement on the spindle.  I was going to check out the problem,
> >but I couldn't get the cap off the hub.   What don't I know about this?
>
> You mean Spitfire Secret # 3?     :)  Shhhh.......
>
> The little hub cap is meant to be removed by screwing a small bolt into the
> hole on the end. The bolt forces the cap away from the hub.
>
> Sounds great in theory, but in practice, there often is insufficient "bite"
> from the sheetmetal cap to avoid instant stripping (and much cursing).
> This can be rectified by welding or epoxying a nut to the inside of the
> hubcap.  But that doesn't help you if the one on the car NOW won't come off.
>
> What I did was to replace the ones I destroyed during removal. They aren't
> that expensive. Now, with properly 'nutted' caps, removal is a piece of cake.
>
>
> PS, often the axle play comes from compression of the felt inboard seals on
> the hubs. Folks who replace those seals should be aware that it usually
> takes a couple adjustments of the axle nuts before the bearings stop
> loosening up.
>
> Atwell Haines
> '79 Spitfire
> Succasunna, NJ USA
>
> " When you do a good deed, get a receipt, in case heaven is like the IRS."


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