Bugeye Rear End questions

[ncbugeye]

I am overhauling the brakes on ncbugeye, including new SS brake hoses, to to get started I put her up on jack stands, removed the rear wheels and one of the brake drums, and slackened off the handbrake cable completely.

I saw oil dripping from the hub (in all about a teaspoonful came out), but this only happened once the brake drum was off. Is this a problem? Should there be some kind of oil seal at the outboard end of the half-shaft? I took the half-shaft out and it seems to be in good shape, then replaced it. I assume the hub ball-race and the outboard half-shaft plain bearing have to get oil from somewhere. What kind of play in the hub ball-race is acceptable?

Also, the brake shoes have a reasonable amount of meat but they look a bit glazed, is there a telltale sign that they need to be replaced?

What else have I forgotten?

 

[jlaird]

Should be an o ring and a gasket on rear to prevent oil from the differential from getting out on the brakes.

 

[racingenglishcars]

That oil is what lubricates the rear bearing. It will be replaced while driving from the oil in the diff. There is no plain bearing, just the single ball bearing holding the hub to the housing stub. There shouldn't be any discernable play in that bearing.

Lightly sand the shoes if they still have reasonable thickness.

Like Jack says with the gasket and seal. They are held with the (pitifull) screw and the wheel bolts.

 

[ncbugeye]

Thanks Jack,

The O-ring was so flattened it merged with the metal of the hub and was invisible. It came out in six pieces, and the gasket was very brittle and flaky so I removed it too. I think I need a call to Tony.

 

[ncbugeye]

Donn,

Yes you're right there is no plain bearing, my mistake. I am just worried that some oil might have reached the brake linings, since I have now discovered that the o-rings are almost completely worn away and in fragments. Would it be a good idea to replace them just as a matter of course, less than US$20 a pair.

 

[racingenglishcars]

There's also a seal on the inside of the flange hub. It also keeps the bearing oil from leaking into the brakes. Definately change at least the o-ring and gasket.

 

[jlaird]

Change all, very good insurance. Should not leak if done clean and properly unless raceing then it is another matter.

Seals and gaskets are cheep cheep.

 

[ncbugeye]

Ok, so I am going to get the complete axle bearing kit, which includes o-ring, gasket, oil seal and bearing, and new shoes, and the repair kit for the rear brakes.

Then I will know what is installed.

Thanks, guys, as always BCF rules.

 

[jlaird]

Hoo boy, work.