[Healeys] Front wheel bearings

[Bob Haskell]

Ken,

It's been discussed on the list before.  Some folks thought that the 
distance piece increased the stiffness of the axle in bending.  I think it 
limits the pre-load on the bearings.  But keep in mind that the shims and 
the distance piece cost money and take some time to get right.  If they 
weren't needed, I doubt the factory would have included them.

I have a lathe and made a post that threads on to the end of the axle and 
sticks out past the end of the hub.  The outside end was turned flat.  I 
mount a magnetic base for a test (dial) indicator to the brake rotor.  The 
test indicator is installed with its tip sitting on the post. When I move 
the brake rotor in and out, the indicator gives the amount of free play.

As the workshop manual states, start with too many shims. Assemble the hub 
and measure the free play.  Dissemble and reduce the shims that amount.  Or 
you might try removing half the amount to see how precise the method is (or 
isn't).

Bob

Ken Taplin wrote:
> Can anyone explain the necessity of the distance piece and shims between the
> front wheel bearings? Having spent 1/2 day gettig the off side just so (and
> having run out of shims) I'm planning to do the near side like a normal car.
> tighten the nut and insert the split pin. Hope the consequences are not dire.
> Ken Taplin
> BT7,etc.
> _______________________________________________
> rchaskell at earthlink.net 
> 
> Healeys at autox.team.net
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