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front wheel bearing mystery

Posted: 19 Jan 2013, 11:12
by toastie
Has anyone had this problem??
In order to fit longer wheel studs (for alloys) it's necessary to remove the hub and replace the front wheel bearings (there was a bit of play there so it all seemed like a wise move) I got my local garage to press out and press in the new bearings and hubs with longer studs. Now after refitting the housing onto the drive shaft and tightening everything to there correct torques I've noticed that the drive shaft boot and it's securing ring are snagging on the head of the lower ball joint! It's as if the shaft is going too far into the housing. There also seems to be more thread showing after tightening the drive shaft nut(I didn't forget the thick washer). My guy at the garage assures me he's done it correctly and we've also cross checked the part numbers.
We are both baffled

toastie

Re: front wheel bearing mystery

Posted: 19 Jan 2013, 12:35
by ..lee..
Sounds weired. Sounds as if the bearing is thinner than the old bearing. Take some measurements from the outer face of the hub to the inner face of the inner bearing race.

Re: front wheel bearing mystery

Posted: 19 Jan 2013, 13:07
by toastie
Hi
Thanks Lee for input.
I think the problem is solved, I also replaced the lower ball joints and have just compared old with new and have found that the distance between the bottom of the head of ball joint to where it sits in the housing is 5 or 6 mm greater wit the new one which is causing the snagging!
My own fault I guess for opting for a cheaper option.

Re: front wheel bearing mystery

Posted: 19 Jan 2013, 15:05
by Simon Baxter
Quite normal for aftermarket ball joints.
I was about to ask if you had changed the ball joint!
They get close but don't normally touch.
Lemforder seem okay and I dont remember fitting a lemforder one and it being close but denied, meyle, Lucas, Topran etc all get close.

Re: front wheel bearing mystery

Posted: 19 Jan 2013, 16:10
by toastie
That was lucky, ordered 2 Lemforders a couple of hours ago!!

thanks for the input gents