[Healeys] Front wheel bearing spacers. New blog post.

[m.g.sharp at sympatico.ca]

Mike et al., I have no idea how common a practice using the spacer/shim set-up was on British cars, but I do know that my M.G. TC has the same set up, and I think all the T-series M.G.s, and later models were the same. I definitely agree with your argument about the spacer increasing the strength of the stub axle. I have also wondered whether, in addition to in effect increasing the base diameter of the axle, whether putting the stub axle in tension from tightening the nut (without loading the bearings!) also increases its strength. I don’t know that, just wondered. Back to the TC. Years ago a maintenance book was published for the T-series M.G.s that recommended upgrading the front bearings by replacing the standard ball-bearing to tapered roller bearings. The book said that the spacer and shims could then be omitted, per common practice with American cars. What followed over the years was a rash of M.G. front stub axle failures! One enterprising enthusiast profited from this by making up and selling replacement stub axles. That demand has now dropped off as we know the spacers and shims MUST be installed as eloquently described in the Healey (and M.G.) manuals.

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Michael Salter
Sent: January 18, 2023 11:01 AM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: [Healeys] Front wheel bearing spacers. New blog post.

 

https://precisionsportscar.com/austin-healey-front-wheel-bearing-spacers/

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