Hi, Richard!
The ball bearings used in the Spridget wheel are the type of bearings that
can only take a thrust load in one direction. That is why the bearings are
marked "thrust" on one side. If they are loaded in the other direction, it
is very easy to push the cage and balls out of the race. The bearings are
installed so that the "thrust" side of each bearing is facing the "thrust"
side of the other bearing, with the spacer between. The purpose of the
spacer is to transfer the load on one bearing that is in the "wrong"
direction to the other bearing, which resists this load because it is being
loaded in the "right" (thrust) direction, thereby keeping the cages and
balls intact.
Most cars use tapered roller bearings in the wheel, which do not have the
"thrust" problem of the ball bearings, therefore do not need the spacer.
The spacer does not add any strength to the axle, but if you are using the
"thrust" ball bearings in the wheel, it should be there.
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC USA
'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G "OO NINE"
"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool
than to speak, and remove all doubt" -- Mark Twain
----------
> From: Richard Shipman <mbelect@mindspring.com>
> To: spridgets@autox.team.net
> Subject: Front Wheel Bearings...
> Date: Saturday, May 08, 1999 11:50 AM
>
> Greetings fellow spridgeteers!
>
> My name is Richard and I've been lurking on the list for awhile and have
> found it both informative and entertaining. I am in the process of
restoring
> a 1974 MG Midget and have started on the front suspension. I have a
question
> about wheel bearings... the ball bearings look like new but when the hub
is
> assembled, there is always a small amount of wheel-rock present. I'm
tempted
> to remove the "bearing spacer" in the assembly and tighten the retaining
nut
> just until snug, then back off to the next nearest cotter pin hole
position.
> This I believe would allow me to adjust the play out of the assembly, but
> leaves me with a bad feeling since I'm leaving out a part that the
original
> designers considered necessary. On the other hand, many other cars front
> wheel bearings do not have this spacer. My apologies to the list if this
> topic has been covered. Any and all advise is welcome.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Richard Shipman
> '74 MG Midget
> '68 MGBGT
> '58 Morris Minor
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