This is a question that Steve Byers and I knocked around some time ago
and generally came to no conclusion.
My contention is that the spacer is necessary. The theory is that the 2
bearing inner races and the spacer, when the nut is tightened
essentially increase the cross sectional area of the stub axle. This
increased cross section substantially decreases any torsional deflection
of the stub axle resulting from axial loads.
As Healey stub axles are well know for cracking in near the root I am
inclined to take as much strength as I can get. I believe, but cannot
prove, that most of the cracked axles that we have come across have been
ones which were operated for some time without spacers. BWT we sent 12
stub axles out for crack testing some years back and as I recall 7 came
back with cracks marked at the stub axle root!!
I should mention that Steve, a man whose opinions I profoundly respect,
thinks my theory is complete horse feathers!!
Michael Salter
www.precisionsportscar.com
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Dave & Marlene
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 3:54 AM
To: Bob Spidell
Cc: Austin Healey
Subject: Re: Front wheel bearings
List,
While we are on the subject, what is so different about the Healey
taperd wheel bearings. Millions of cars have tapered bearings with no
spacers & no shims. The outer nut is just snugged down & then backed off
slightly for free running. It seems like complete over kill to me to
have such a complicated setup. Can someone straighten me out?
Dave Russell
Bob Spidell wrote:
> Jorge,
>
> re:
>
> "I've read that BJ8s use ball
> bearing type of bearings for the front wheels with NO
> shims while early BJ8s and earlier Healeys use a
> tapered type of wheel bearing with shims"
>
>
> Think you have it backwards. Early Healeys used ball wheel
> bearings and after BN1 or so they used tapered, which need the
> shims.
>
> Start with no shims and tighten the nut, which will lock up the
bearings,
> then add shims until the bearings just turn with no resistance.
Usually,
> 0.030" of shims works about right. It's easier to do this job with
clean
> bearings, but be careful not to turn tight, ungreased bearings too
much.
>
>
> bs
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