[Fot] Triumph GT6 front hubs

[Scott Janzen]

I replaced the front wheel bearings last winter, after the inside left  
one cooked last year.  At the time I thought it was brake heat.  I had  
the car out for about two hours of track time last week, and noticed  
the same wheel was loosening up, adjusted the bearing, torqued the  
spindle, got through the day, but thought I better pull it apart  
before I took it out again this weekend.  What I found astounded me -  
the inside bearing race - the one that press fits into the hub - was  
rattling around, with easily 1/32 clearance.  The bearing race is the  
correct dimension, the race from the other hub fits the same (loose)  
way in this hub and snug in the right hub, so the only thing I can  
figure is the race spun and wore down the hub or pounded it out of  
shape.  The grease is black but no real sign of metal filings.

Clearly I need a replacement hub (this weekend's race is not looking  
good at the moment - always the spare you don't have on hand), but I'm  
just wondering what caused this that I should have looked for.  I  
recall the race being a snug fit when I put it in, but maybe not.   
Anyone experience this?

While I'm at it, this could be an excuse to upgrade to aluminum hubs.   
Anyone have any experience with any particular supplier, pro or con?   
Any benefits or drawbacks?