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MG MGA - Rear hub bearing removalRear hub bearing removalRear hub bearing removalRear hub bearing removal

Is there any way of removing the rear bearing from the rear hub that will not damage the bearing. It looks that the only way is the drift it out by applying force onto the inner race; will this damage the bearing or can it take the direct pressure. I need to replace the oil seal to stop a leak.

Many thanks

Andy
Andy Preston

Andy -
I had the same problem. Go to MGAGuru web site for removing the hub. I then used heat and a hydraulic press to get the bearing out. I don't like hammering things.
Steve
Steven B

Andy,
A hydrolic press is always best as it uses a constant force as opposed to shock loads using a drift. The bearing fit should be a light press fit and if so the bearing will probably not be damaged using a drift. After you get it out clean up the bearing and check it for smooth operation (do not spin it with compressed air). Hope this helps and have a good day!

John
John Progess

Andy

Carried out this job only last year, if you have access to a press definately the best option but carefully driving out the bearing works as well. As John said DO NOT spin with compressed air.

Shane
Shane Rossetto

Whats wrong with actually replacing the bearing. These are probably the cheapest bearings in the world!
Bob (robert) yes I own an MG Dwarf!

Bob, the rear bearings are not cheap. About $40 here. The front ones are cheaper.
Art

OK I'll bite!! What's wrong with compressed air?
Barry
BM Gannon

If you spin a bearing using compressed air, it will spin much faster than normal, and since it has no lubrication after cleaning, it will ruin it quickly.
Jeff Schultz

Excessive heat causing bluing and damage to the bearings ultimate failure of the bearings.
Shane

We had a guy in a shop next to the one I was working in Houston that spun a bearing with compressed air and it came apart and cut him in half. Acted like a claymore mine in his hand! Bearings have a definite design rpm which should not be exceeded.

John
John Progess

40 dollars Art!!!!!! they do see you coming. I assume based on that price it is better to rescue the bearing!!
Bob (robert) yes I own an MG Dwarf!

If you can't afford $40 for a 30 year old car why do you have it? It's why most of these MG's are junk. The followers are too cheap to maintain them.
Andy

Hi Andy. I try and re use as many parts as I can, as long as they are still safe to use and serviceable. While saving money might be part of my motivation, it goes deeper than that. There is a certain satisfaction I get from re using and repairing, rather than replacing parts. You are of course correct, anyone can go buy a new $40.00 bearing, and can also have a machine shop press it in. However, the person that does this is missing out on a great learning experience. Not only does one NOT learn how to replace said parts, but they also do not perhaps become automotively self sufficient, or intimately knowledgeable about the vehicle they are driving! I find pleasure in devising ways to disassemble and reassemble parts without damage. This sometimes requires a good deal of thought, and sometimes consultation with other MGA enthusiasts. Many enthusiasts seem to like mechanical challenges also, and will take "the hard way" instead of the "easy" replacement route. Personally, I do as much work as I possibly can on my MGA, and am able to tackle almost any repair. With good MGA mechanics disappearing fast, it is nice to know that I can fix my own vehicle if something goes wrong! I do however concede that sometimes parts have to be replaced for safety reasons, and that to do anything otherwise is foolish. Just my 2 cents worth, GLenn
Glenn

glen, photograph and show us your work.
Andy

Hi Andy. I sent a photo of my MGA 1500 roadster to Serge's website. You can see a picture of my car there, although it looks pretty seedy in the photo. (Lots of primer splotches) I currently have most of the body panels off the car, and am block sanding them in preparation for a new paint job this summer. (Yes, I will be painting the MGA myself also!) I originally restored my MG in 1980, and have be re restoring it over the last several years, a bit at a time. Work that I have recently done (myself) includes: Completely rebuilding the engine, and transmission, rebuilding the SU carburettors, fabricating and installing new floorboards, installing a new clutch, rebuilding / replacing the entire hydraulic system, (rebuilt all wheel cylinders and brake calipers myself) installed all new copper nickel lines, and rubber hoses, and hand fabricating new interior trim panels from scratch. I also recovered allof the the cockpit mouldings, and fabricated new wood pieces for them where required. Additionally, I replaced the inner sills and rocker panels, and repaired the badly rotted door pillar bottoms, although I did require some expert assistance from a very knowledgeable MGA owner and metal fabrication friend for this job. Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

I have the same attitude as Glenn about re-using original parts that are still in spec or refurbishing worn original parts where possible. It is not always a matter of economics. Often it costs more and takes more work to re-use original parts, but there is a satisfaction in doing it this way. Also, while bearings are usually available from major manufacturers, the quality and fit of many other replacement parts can be somewhat questionable.


Jeff Schultz

Many thanks to everyone that replied to my simple question. It's not that I'm cheap, in fact I'm probably the opposite but I like to keep everything as original as possible. I'm doing a complete body off restoration on a 60 Coupe and it will probably cost me around $10k not including my time and labor and paint. Saving $80 on new bearings might not seem a lot but it all adds up in the end, and why replace something with an after market item if you dont have to.

I'll press out the bearing to replace the oil seal and not spin the bearing with compressed air too quickly to remove all cleaning solvents.

Many thanks Andy
Andy Preston

Andy,
I did a complete restoration of a 60 Coupe and I will be very supprised if you can get by with only $10K invested. I did all the work on a very straight origional car and it was way more than $10K. Good luck and have a good day! You will love your Coupe!

John
John Progess

I had a rear bearing go noisy and so need replacing. The hub was worn making the bearing a slack fit and so had to be fixed with locktite. I did this and of course forgot to put the oil seal in first. Would that bearing come out? Well it did in the end but it cost me a second new bearing. Now that brings tears to the eyes.

Malcolm Asquith

This thread was discussed between 20/02/2007 and 22/02/2007

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