re-packing front wheel bearings

[Jer]

One thing I haven't done on Midge is repack the front wheel bearings, I have always checked for play & I don't have any noise coming from them.
From what I understand if the originals are okay it's better to repack than replace as most replacements available are a bit lacking to say the least...
I have ordered new seals & repacked wheel bearings in the past on other vehicles... is there any surprises that I should be prepared for ? (opposite threads, need specialty tools etc.) or is this job like any other vehicle ?

Thanks

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thoroughly Clean and repack. A messy job but not as bad as others on this car. As I recall something like 40 lbs on nut. Tighten until wheel starts to slow up and back off a flat. When I replaced one of my bearings had to run a little loose and then go back a week later after some run in to get torque spec right. You are either there or not with cotter pin and bolt.

And yes I was fortunate to find a set of NOS Bearings. New stuff is less than optimal.

 

[tomshobby]

New OEM style bearings are available and still being made. I purchased a set from this source and they fit perfectly in every way. In another forum this was discussed at length and a couple other sources were also found> I believe at least one of them was less money.

My web page covers much of what was found. https://smithtr6.com/bearings.htm

The following is one of the e-mail replies from the source I used.

"Hi Tom,

Please see the answers to your questions below :


On 18 March 2010 17:42, Tom Smith <tom@smithtr6.com> wrote:

Graham, that is great news.

I have been searching for these for nearly a year.

1) How many do you have?

Currently less than 10 pieces.

2) Do you or can you still make them?

We have them made specifically to order.

3) What is your minimum order?

To manufacture the quantity would be 10 pieces.

I only need two, but no one has been able to find them, including vendors and owners of these cars are anxious for correct bearings.

We can supply you 2 pieces at £45.00 each nett.

4) Can you verify the dimensions? D = 52mm; d = 25mm; B = 15mm; and most important, r = 2mm or up to 3mm

Confirmed.

Regards

Graham

From: Graham Naughton [mailto:bearinginfo@googlemail.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 9:40 AM
To: Tom Smith
Subject: Re: Enquiry from the Ransome

 

[Jer]

Thanks for the replacement option Graham, after I try to pack my bearings I may need to use your suggestion ! ha ha

Jim thanks for the confirmation... just wanted to be sure there wasn't an LBC "surprise" waiting for me