Wheel Bearing Spacers
I had asked this question [in the privacy of my own garage some years
ago]when working on my 1964 G.M. Holden ,you know,the Pontiac GTO
connection,as it had the same bearings as my Healey except no spacer.
Engineering books discussing 'correct' bearing installation recommend
the
installation of a spacer to lock the inner halves of the roller bearing
races[cones]
together to prevent bearings from rotating on the axle and welding
themselves
to the axle.How do I know?
My trusty Austin designed BMC built BN4 was used in the dark of
night,Lucas
lights ablaze,generator powering the trusty SU heart beat,as the
breakdown and
spare parts delivery work horse went to my Dads G.M.Holden sedan
rescue---
after some turkey mechanic tried to oxy cut the collapsed bearing from
the stub
axle and in his lack of skill also removed half the stub axle.
Whilst way up here on my lecturn I might just mention that all those
lusted
after works speed &distance record cars,rally cars,LeMans 24HR and
Sebring
12HR. cars are fitted with boring,standard Austin,Lucas and Girling off
the
shelf British parts.So whats the difference? Some cars are
shimmed,checked for
tolerence,aligned,lubricated and maintained using the manufactures
service
manual.The alternative seems to be some occasions where; all new parts
were
supplied,all parts hung in the right place and most importantly NO
leftovers
therefore--job complete,car restored and all those shakes,pulls to the
left or
right etc etc features must be an integral part of the design!!!!!
'Works' tuning--Roger Menadue's final sign off for the race cars was to
time
each car between two points,up hill and under load. Shortest time
wins,no need
to discuss horsepower,torque etc.Adjust one thing at a time,use
consistant
conditions to compare each run and your Healey is now 'Works' tuned.Go
out now
and enjoy the experience.
Thats why I am always gratefull that the list has contributors it does
that
willingly pass on their experiences,especially those that have done it
more
than once and have the ability to make it clear and relatively simple
Sorry its very late here in Australia,Pat Quinn wont answer his phone
and I
havent taken the Webers for a drive recently. Got to have that regular
dose of
high octane.
Regards Joe
|