Front bearings/hubs disassembled and I found...

[BrianN]

At least two mechanics worked in this car in the past. Must have been Laurel and Hardy. The hub nuts were barely more than finger tight. When adequately tightened the hub would not turn. I guess they assembled it like a Chevy--tighten the nut until the hub doesn't turn. Back it off till it does. Put in the cotter pin. They never read the book, obviously.

Two of the four bearings were disintegrating. The shims that were there were all messed up. Very little grease was in the bearings.

Also, the left side had some sort of catstrophic bearing failure in the past. The outer bearing turned on the spindle, galling it and taking about ten thousands off the outboard quarter inch. The bearing does not fit very tight.

I'm trying to figure out what to do about that, short of replacing the spindle, which means I would be getting into a whole king pin and bushing job. Not this weekend, please!

Any advice, short of getting a Chevy?

Thanks in advance.

Brian N

 

[Keoke]

Hi Brian, Without acutally seeing the spindle Its hard to say what to do. However, given the criticality of the front suspension system and its known weakneses I would not take any chances on a potentially defective spindle. Particularly when it has been run in an overstressed condition.FWIW---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[Dave Russell]

Re: Front bearings/hubs disassembled and I found..

I would certainly second Keoke's suggestion. According to a couple of very experienced Healey people, up to something like 70% of all non-failed old stub axles have been found to have microscopic cracks which would later fail. THis is not a part to take chances with. Unless of course, you don't mind losing a front wheel. For those who do worry, especially racers, high quality & stronger replacements are available. Norman Nock & Denis Welch both have improved versions of this part. I would at least have them both tested for cracks & maybe replace both with new stock parts. It sounds like one of them is beyond repair anyway.
D