Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

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Ian Jones
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Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by Ian Jones »

Hello All

I've read a few previous threads on this subject but not found a definitive answer. Apologies if I've missed it, but if so I'd be grateful if someone could point me at it.

I wasn't happy with the play in the front wheel bearings of my traveller. Bought 2 sets of bearings from one of the morris minor specialists and fitted them. The result was little better. They are at the "advisory" level of an MOT. They will probably stay like this for years but I can't cope with the rattle when I run over a pothole. I'm confident it is bearings as the play disappears completely when checked with the brakes on.

The bearings supplied were C3 internal clearance which is really for cases where the bearing will get hot, so not really suitable in my opinion, but I'm not going to take this up with the supplier as I've used them for a few months, I'll just put it down to experience.

I'm going to change them for ones with tighter internal clearance. I wonder whether anyone else has had this problem and sorted it out. Question is whether to go for standard clearance or C2.

Thanks

Ian
Trickydicky
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by Trickydicky »

Here is the link to a post with the details of the best quality bearings from a local supplier.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37899&hilit=Front+wheel+bearings
Richard

Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
simmitc
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by simmitc »

I can understand you not wanting to take the matter up with the supplier, BUT if everyone follows the same line then the supplier will never know that the product they are selling is not correct. When some poor soul does finally raise the matter then the supplier will shrug their shoulders and say "We've never had any complaints before, it must be your hub/axle". Parts should fit - they did originally. If modern parts do not fit, or the wrong parts are supplied, then we should make that known. That's not meant to be having a go at you, it's just a review of how poor prodcuts survive in the supply chain.
paul 300358
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by paul 300358 »

You also need to consider how much energy is required to drift the old bearings out and the new ones in. I had all sorts of problems and then realised that the hub was so worn I was pushing the bearing in too easily, I ended up with a new hub.
philthehill
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by philthehill »

I have to say that not all the blame should be heaped on the bearing supplier. Prospective purchasers should make themselves acquainted with the differences in bearing clearances especially the C1, C2, C3, C4 & C5 before purchasing bearings.

https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/products/c ... 2E_a08.pdf

C3 clearance bearings latterly have became the norm and to that end BL/Unipart were supplying for example Morris Minor rear hub bearings in a C3 clearance specification - I have at least a couple of sets of C3 rear hub bearings supplied by BL/Unipart and still in their BL/Unipart boxes.

Unfortunately unless you ask for a specific clearance bearing in all probability you will be supplied with a C3 bearing.

Ian Jones
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by Ian Jones »

Thanks for the comments. The bearings were as tight a fit in the housing as I would have expected. I think I will buy some standard (normal) internal clearance for one side, fit them and see what improvement it makes.

Regards

Ian
Ian Jones
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Re: Internal clearance of front wheel bearings

Post by Ian Jones »

What does "face adjusted" mean. I've not be able to find an answer I understand.

Regards

Ian
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