The only way pre-tensioning of the axle 'strengthens' the axle is in its
ability to resist compressive loads. This is not the type of load the axle
is subjected to, hence, pretensioning has no effect other than to weaken it
by bringing it a small bit closer to a failure through tension. Tension IS
a force the axle is subjected to. IMHO
----- Original Message -----
From "David Ramsey" <dwramsey at worldnet.att.net>
To: <Andrew.Griffith@ReadRite.com>
Cc: <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 12:42 PM
Subject: Re: Lot rot (brake systems) and wheel bearing shims.
> Drew, I don't think I was on your back about the spacers. Yes I don't
> believe you need them with the tapered bearings and don't run them on my
> car, but your right it is your car and you can do what you want.
> When we went through this I asked for the reasons why the spacer
> would strengthen the axle. The answers I got were because "so and so said
> so". The only person that tried to explain it using sound engineering
> theory had his mechanics of materials wrong. If anybody can or wants to
> prove that the use of a spacer between the bearings adds strength to the
> axle, they have chosen not to so far.
> You are right in thinking that if you are going to use the spacer it
> must not affect the pre-load of the tappered bearing. I still believe the
> only use for the spacer and shims is to provide the proper pre-load on the
> ball bearings and that this placing the axle in a constant state of
tension
> in fact makes it weaker.
> MiniMania sells the tappered cone bearings and Don recomends using
> the spacers, but do they sell shims? Good luck in you quest.
> Crash
>
> >And regarding my question about "Where to find" these wheel bearing
spacer
> >shims (Chris, Daniel, Paul, Dave, David and Crash)... Have a little
> patience
> >and Get off my back!
> >I know how to use the archive listings and I already made my decision on
> >what to do, I was merely looking for a source of the parts which I didn't
> >find in the archives. Just because you're setting your cars up a
different
> >way doesn't mean it's the only way. I know that I don't have to use the
> >bearing spacer with the tapered roller bearing, but I was advised to by 3
> or
> >4 H & F production racers and Mini Mania (not that I think they are
always
> >correct either) because I need the extra support because I'm running a 7"
> >wheel w/ a 50 series tire.
> >Taking every advantage to keep my stub axels from breaking,
> >-Drew
>
>
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