Anthony, when was the last time you had a bearing failure on your SUV. Do you get it repacked often??? Realisticly, bearings do take alot of punishment. Keep them clean, greased, and adjusted properly and they last a long time. I can tell when a bearing needs replaced. Here is the $64,000 question, which Dave Russel has already offered a realistic explanation. the Question is, ' If the Healey has a tapered roller bearing, like most American cars of the 50's & 60's, (and it does) why then does it need a spacer and shims??? While the American cars just adjust the nut for alittle preload.... Times up, as Dave Russel mentions, it will add strength by providing a system of components to share the load. Here's another reason. "Precision" , you will get a much more precise load adjustment on the bearing. With the shims set up properly the bearing will have no end play at all, and will also have no risk of too much preload, ie tight bearing. The method of backing off the nut to align the cotter pin just creates end play. You don't have to do that with a Healey. How 'bout all those cars of the 60's running around with loose front wheel bearings. Hmmm, they lasted along time too. must be able to take a heck of alot of punishment. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Dave C.