Dodgy Bearings

Post by **LordAnthony** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:35 pm

Hello,

I've just been replacing a rear wheel stud and when I took the drum off the half shaft came loose (there were no screws holding it on) revealing a rather dodgy looking bearing.

A few questions for everyone:

1. Does anyone know what could have happened to make it like this? Could this be caused by general wear?

2. Should I but a new one? I assume so but you never know!

3. Also, the oil from the bearings (thin black grease?) leaked out all over the drum which I presume means I should purchase another drum rather than clean off the old one?

One day I'll know enough to actually answer questions rather than ask them...<br>

<br>

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:03 pm

Err NO, NO and NO ! The bearing is fine - the lock nut has just been attacked by a chisel - most have by now ! Have to say that one is quite bad though! The oil is (hopefully) EP90 - clean it off - ALL of it (use petrol or carb cleaner spray) and refit, the little screw is not necessary - don't worry about it. If the oil got on the brake linings - you should buy/fit new linings - hopefully - it didn't ?

Post by **les** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:09 pm

Looks to me that the bearing housing has been beaten up by some clown! Probably an attempt to tighten a loose bearing, it needs replacing I'd have thought, along with the nut.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:54 pm

I see what you mean - the bearing housing - but the bearing looks ok - I would just use it!!

Post by **LordAnthony** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:50 pm

Thanks all.
I'm afraid to say that oil did get on the shoes so I'll get some new ones for both sides.
It never stops does it?
I've gone and bought a traveller now too. I don't know what I was thinking.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:10 am

oil leaking out is normal when the half shaft is not clamped up.
The countersunk screw only helps to keep it tight on the gasket when the wheel is removed.
Axle oil on the brake shoes is not a good thing - however your biggest problem here is a mashed up hub.

Post by **Dru** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:16 pm

I cleaned up my oiled-up brake shoes with 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which seemed to get the oil out pretty effectively. This comment should not be construed as an endorsement of this method

Post by **8009STEVE** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:19 am

1,1,1-trichloroethane,

Not used that for ages.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:58 am

Well done using the modrn 'safe' degreaser Dru - most would use 1,1,1 - trichloroethylene - which was the standard degreaser for many years. I too have cleaned up shoes that were 'lightly' contaiminated with oil. Using carb cleaner - soaking that into the shoe - and then setting it on fire! Repeated a few times until the shoe looked perfect. This was intended as a temporary repair for my TR7 - until I got hold of some new shoes - but it worked so well, the new shoes are still in the box.

Post by **simmitc** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:13 pm

When refitting the half-shaft make sure that you use a new rubber O-ring and paper gasket. Also, the retaining screws should definitely be fitted. Use wheel nuts (and a few spacing washers if required) to clamp the half shaft to the hub, then fit the screws and tighten; then remove the nuts and carry on as usual. If shoes are contaminated then discard and fit news ones - do both sides of the car at the same time.

If you can get another hub and nut then it would certainly tidy things up, but not essential.

Post by **MarkyB** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:11 pm

I'd replace the hub when you get a chance.
It looks like a bearing has seized and spun in the hub which has made the hole for the replacement bearing too big.
Someone has used a hammer and screwdriver to bash some metal in to grip the bearing.
OK for a while but bodgery all the same.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:25 pm

Aye - it's hard to see why that has been necessary - but probably a long time ago - and unlikely to give any trouble. I would say another hub is not urgent - but pick one up if you find one at the right price!

Post by **les** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 9:44 pm

Lets hope the guy who butchered the hub, didn't get near anything else, that sort of damage took a concerted effort and anger.

Post by **sirrom** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:56 am

Roy I havent heard anybody suggest the soaking in petrol and setting them alight for a while. I have done it a couple of times and it works a treat. Afterwards you would never know it had oil on them. Saves buying another lot of bonded shoes especially if there is plenty of lining left

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:37 am

The carb cleaner spray is more like cellulose thinner - than petrol. It works very well with no residue. Of course - all due precautions when using flammable substances and Fire!

Post by **RogerRust** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:27 am

I have admit that 35 years ago I cleaned some oily brake shoes by boiling them in Persil! BSA A10 linings were hard to get hold of at the time and I was skint.

Post by **LordAnthony** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 10:32 am

I've got some Wynn's brake cleaner and new shoes.
I'll leave the hub etc as is for the moment I think.

Post by **RogerRust** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:00 pm

les wrote:Lets hope the guy who butchered the hub, didn't get near anything else, that sort of damage took a concerted effort and anger.

That's what happens when people take other's advice and use a hammer and chisel instead of buying the proper tool!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 10:04 pm

Yes - but this 'hammer and chisel' have been used to grip the bearing into the hub for some reason. The nut is still fine -although obviously chiselled rather crudely. It may not be the 'best' way to do the job - but it WORKS!

Post by **MarkyB** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:57 am

How long will it continue to work?
The surface area that the outside of the bearing is in contact with the hub has been severely reduced.
There is every chance that the hub is no longer concentric with the axle.
I'd run it like that but be looking to replace it when circumstances allow.