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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1977 Mg MIdget wheel bearings?

I have just removed the wheel hub on my midget as there was play in the wheel bearings and when I took the hub off the wheel bearings paractically fell out! I have two questions:

1) I now have replacement weheel bearings but cant seem to find a step by step guide on how to fit these? Can anyone point me in the right direction?

2) I have play where my track rod meets the steering rack ball joint is this adjustable like on an mgb?

Any help will be appreciated thanks Chris
C Carter

Read this:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=thread&access=&subject=97&source=T&thread=2010040319170330947
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

I have read this thread the problem I am having is I cant actually get the outer bearing to sit inside the hub it is very tight do I have to use a hammer to knock this all the way in?
C Carter

Ideally you'd use a press to install the bearings, but I've done them with a small hammer, VERY CAREFULLY tapping around the perimeter to seat each bearing without getting it in crooked.

Having said that, there's been a whole big debate on front wheel bearings, which I think you've seen. It can be a tricky process.

By the way, I think it's "normal" for the inboard bearing set to pull apart when you remove the hub. You're exerting a force opposite to its normal load, and there's only a small shoulder holding it together in that direction. It's nothing to worry about, but getting that inner race off the stub axle can be fun.

Cheers, and good luck,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

I was taught many years ago to use a small hammer and a brass drift. The reasoning being that the brass drift will not be as sharp a blow as a hardened steel punch.
For pressing the bearing in an old race makes a good push tool. An arbor press would be much preferred to a hydraulic one.
tomshobby

Gryf, I've heard tales about getting the inner race removed without damage before. I was thinking that an aluminum split shaft collar fitted around the race would not mar it and allow a puller to be used. Might help with one that's stuck on the axle pretty tight.
Bill Young

>>> For pressing the bearing in an old race makes a good push tool. <<<

Right, I'd forgotten that. I used that very method last time.

Bill, I don't recall exactly how I got the inner races off last time, as it's been a good while. But since I wasn't removing a good bearing, I didn't see any problem with giving it some force. Of course I was very careful to avoid messing up the axle.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Here is how to fit them and it will explain why when you have fitted the bearings you bought why you will still have play :)

Or perhaps you bought correct bearing originally anyway fit as described.

http://www.midgetregister.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=66
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I like Tom was taught to use brass drifts for two reasons. Firstly it is less likely to slip as the brass gives and secondly there is less chance of damage to the bearing as especially on thin bearings it is possible to bruise them with steel punches.
I find that light taps alternately at opposite sides of the bearing always works. If it doesn't go in straight tap it out and start again.

Trev
T Mason

Ok bearing are now in place and there is no play in the hub however when I torque up the castle nut I cant get the wheel to move at all?
C Carter

Strange ? did you fit the spacer tube between the 2 bearings?
Bob Turbo Midget England

Yes spacer tube is in and the bearings are all in as the should be?
C Carter

Sounds like the spacer is short, or the bearings are out of tolerance. Again, this has been discussed elsewhere.

Good luck,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Tom & Trev,
In my aircraft engineering apprentiship, many many years ago,we were always told to make sure that if something required "tapping to fit", then you always hit the object with something softer, to avoid damage to the critical part.
Good luck
Graham

OK then Chris if the spacer is in and has not been modified as some have in the past, then I suspect that both the outer races on both bearings have to be FULLY seated against the spacer machined into the hub assembly. If they are not fully home against this machined spacer in the hub then it would cause the bearings to lock up as the hub nut was tightened. I also make this observation as for some reason you seemed unsure about this process in your original post. Let me make it very clear that when installing bearings a good clout with an appropriate drift is generally required to fully ensure the outer races are seated.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Thanks for your input I will make sure the bearings are seated properly.
C Carter

This thread was discussed between 23/04/2010 and 28/04/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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