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Spitfire Wheel Bearings

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FlyingCat

FlyingCat

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I'll try this again, but this time with a prefix. I'm in the process of restoring a 1980 Spitfire that hasn't run in at least 25 years. I'm currently working on the back brakes, so I have the back wheels pretty much stripped down to the hub. I imagine I should check the wheel bearings while I'm here, but I understand from my reading that doing so can be quite the challenge, especially since it involves tools I don't have (such as a hub puller and a bearing press). One thought is to ignore them for now, wait until I get my car running, and then seeing (or listening) for any problems. Any suggestions?

Trimuph02.jpg
 
I don't think you need to take them apart to check them. Bad bearings will usually let you know. If the rear wheels are tight with no play and quiet when you spin the wheels by hand (you can temporarily mount the wheels without the brakes) you should be good to go. You may also be able to pump a squirt of grease in to it if there is a grease fitting but don't over grease.
Tom
 
I agree with Tom. Don't take anything apart you don't have to. Grease the hubs and test drive the car to see if you need to replace the wheel bearings.
 
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