Dilema - Take it back apart or not - Slight and I mean really slight LF Wobble

[Jim_Gruber]

I finally got everything put back together for front suspension on Bugsy IV. Tightened everything down. New Wheels fit without needed to grind the Tie Rod End for Clearance and all is well. However, put wheels on PS, two bolts tight, tried wiggling the wheel, absolutely solid, no extra movement side to side, top to bottom. Great. Tried to do the same for DS. And there is a minor amount of movement there. Crap. New Wheel Bearings are installed, all other parts and pieces are new. Pretty sure I got Wheel Bearings installed correctly but there is always the chance that I managed to install the outer wheel bearing backwards. All spins freely and the axle nut is as tight as it could possibly go. Thoughts gents, tear it all apart to check the wheel bearing installation. I mean this is a little bitty movement but it is there. And I haven't installed the wheel bearing caps which have now become one time use items I learned.

 

[nomad]

How slight is slight? Could be in the wheels or how they are bolting up. If you remove the wheel you should be able to detect it in the brake rotor if its a bearing problem and likely that should be your biggest concern. The rotor should run perfectly true.

Kurt.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I'm pulling it apart now. Not the wheel. I feel it without the wheel attached. Any I mean it is a small movement. Pulling to check bearing is not in backwards. There is a slight difference in the radius of the inside edge of where the outer bearing touches the spindle. Hard to see but it is there. Hopefully I can remove the outer bearing with a drift and not damage it if it is in backwards.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

OK I did have the outer wheel bearing in backwards. The skinny outer race side goes out. BTW a flat edge on an offset screwdriver in your vice makes an awesome tool for easily removing that outer wheel bearing. The flat blade is just long enough to slip over the edge and grab the outer race. Move the hub a few times to equalize pressure and it all comes apart easily. Now back together, one more notch possible on the castle nut and absolutely no play. Lessons learned. If there is any play whatsoever in the hub you've got the outer bearing in backwards.