TR6 TR6 Rear Axle Bearing Question

[SherpaPilot]

I believe I have a little excessive free play (float) in the rear bearings of my 72 TR6. In preparation for this check, I did a little reading. The manual calls for checking the bearing end float with a dial micrometer. When correctly adjusted, it should be within 0.002 to 0.005. That is pretty precise. The book also tells me the axle shaft must be removed to adjust the end float. Is there an easier way to do this without the purchase of a depth micrometer?

 

[DNK]

send it to TRF and have them rebuild it?

 

[TR3driver]

You don't want a depth micrometer, you want a dial indicator. They are a lot cheaper than what it's going to cost you to fix the end float, so IMO just buy one. Here's a link to one similar to mine, currently on sale for $17
https://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28995534&PMAKA=TK505-1848

I haven't tackled rear hubs yet, but here's a shot of it in action rebuilding a diff:

 

[sail]

I have been pondering what to do with the hubs as the entire rear end is out.
Reading up on the hubs it looks tuff. 2 1/16" wrenches are needed for the preload and locknut. I don't know if just adjusting those would require the compressible sleeve to be replaced. To take the rest apart a hydraulic press is needed along with a unique hub puller. It looks to me like you can't even clean and re grease the old bearings without all that.
A couple of alternatives are to have rebuilt for around $300 a hub or get the Goodparts setup for a little more. Not cheap.

 

[SherpaPilot]

Thanks for the input guys. Yep, my mistake on the dial indicator. I have looked at the Goodparts retrofits but $1500 is a little much for me at the momment. They do appear to be a great long term solution for the Triumph but not at this time. I may just pull the hubs and send them out for rebuild. Thanks again for the help.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

I was in the same situation. TRF rebuilds them for $299 plus shipping both ways (and they give you a u-joint). Goodparts has an upgraded axle-hub for $349, plus one way shipping. For me, the difference in price was the cost of a two cases of good beer, so it was a no brainier to go with Richard's upgrade and I am happy I did so.

 

[Gliderman8]

I was in the same situation. TRF rebuilds them for $299 plus shipping both ways (and they give you a u-joint). Goodparts has an upgraded axle-hub for $349, plus one way shipping. For me, the difference in price was the cost of a two cases of good beer, so it was a no brainier to go with Richard's upgrade and I am happy I did so.

That's exactly what I did... for a difference of $50 per side it was a no-brainer. They are a big improvement over the stock axles.

 

[hondo402000]

You can go all out and get his CV Axle conversion, pretty easy to install and no tr twitch any more

Hondo

 

[poolboy]

I was in the same situation. TRF rebuilds them for $299 plus shipping both ways (and they give you a u-joint). Goodparts has an upgraded axle-hub for $349, plus one way shipping. For me, the difference in price was the cost of a two cases of good beer, so it was a no brainier to go with Richard's upgrade and I am happy I did so.

That's exactly what I did... for a difference of $50 per side it was a no-brainer. They are a big improvement over the stock axles.

Same here.
BTW, if your old hubs are rebuildable, CAR will give you 75 bucks each in store credit at TRF for them.

 

[SherpaPilot]

I looked at Richard's site and now think the heavy duty hubs are the better choice. The small increase in costs over the rebuild of the original units really is a "no-brainer". I hope to get this project complete in a few weeks, right after Christmas. Thanks to all who offered advice and Merry Christmas.

 

[DougF]

I'm jealous. I wish I could find two cases of good beer for $50 in this area!