Front Wheel Bearings

[Andy Rose]

Hi, I have a 1970 van. The front L/H wheel had what I thought was worn wheel bearings allowing some play that was visibly between the brake backing plate and the brake drum.There is no noticeable movement in the king pin or links. I have just fitted a new set of bearings and am dismayed to find I still have the same problem. Help please.

[bmcecosse]

Welcome to the forum.... Could be worn hub I suppose. But what bearings did you fit?? There are some 'loose tolerance' bearings out there which are hopeless........

[Andy Rose]

Hi, thanks for the welcome. I purchased the kit through ESM spares. They looked to be good quality. They seem to fit snugly into the hub. If the hub is worn, do you think I can shim inside the bearing housing? Would taking a bit off the length of the spacer achieve anything? I will try to buy another hub, but its not easy out here in Australia to find.

[bmcecosse]

I think someone else on here recently reduced the spacer thickness slightly...to good effect. But I'm not at all convinced this should be necessary....

[Andy Rose]

Yes, could be a worry to change the spacer. I will try to source a newish hub..

[simmitc]

I've heard people talk of a worn hub, but never actually seen one - or met anyone who has measured and confirmed that the hub is worn. On the other hand, I have seen worn bearings, and am aware of quality issues on many new parts - tolerances are not what they used to be. I have had many good parts from most of the normal traders, so I am not suggesting that ESM sell low quality; but they do not make the bearings...

It might be worth picking up a second hand hub complete with known good bearings. There are still yards with good spares from broken cars - you could try Pop's Place at Lowestoft.

[moggiethouable]

Before anything it may be worthwhile measuring the the old bearing against the new,also if its a taper roller how far did you back off the castle nut after adjustment?
Are they taper roller on a van?

[fussyoldfart]

Hi Andy,
I find that Australia is one of the best places to find Morris parts, and I'm in Canada! I will send you a PM (private message) on this board with the name and email of the man who has never failed me, even on rare parts.

Darrell McDonald

[bmcecosse]

Taper roller bearings on a Minor ?? New one on me...... If the bearings are 'C 3' then that is too loose for a Minor......what markings are on them ??

[Andy Rose]

Hi, thanks to all for your advice..my plan is this. I have managed to buy a set of tapered roller bearings that should fit. All going well I will be able to throw away the spacer and just fit these bearings. I have managed to buy a second hand hub, so if things don't go as well as planned I can fit the second hand hub with my roller thrust kit.. Will report back

[Declan_Burns]

I can confirm what Roy states about the "C3" bearings. I had that issue recently on a brand new rear wheel bearing from a well known supplier.
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

Which is exactly what I was suggesting.....but trying not to get another beating from Louise........... Taper rollers that fit ?? Let us know how you get on - will you fit an internal spacer (much the best way I believe) - and do please tell us the bearing numbers!!

[moggiethouable]

Taper roller bearings on a Minor ?? New one on me...... If the bearings are 'C 3' then that is too loose for a Minor......what markings are on them ??

Oh B*%ger, so when mine get loose I cant just tighten em up ?
Think Ill get a spitfire

[bmcecosse]

If taper rollers 'get loose' they are knackered and should be thrown away..... I don't think I have ever seen taper rollers used where the two bearings are different size....any I know of (Mini and TR7) have same size bearing inboard and outboard.

[sirrom]

I have got tappered bearings in my front hubs and I had the same in my last car and no problems. Other Morrie owners in NZ use them as well.
I recently changed them and still have the old boxes in my garage so could dig out the bearing numbers.

[moggiethouable]

I have got tappered bearings in my front hubs and I had the same in my last car and no problems. Other Morrie owners in NZ use them as well.
I recently changed them and still have the old boxes in my garage so could dig out the bearing numbers.

When fitting the taper roller bearings what other mods if any did you need to make?

[bmcecosse]

I can't see the need -I have never had the slightest problem with standard Minor wheel bearings - never had to fit a new one.

[moggiethouable]

I can't see the need -I have never had the slightest problem with standard Minor wheel bearings - never had to fit a new one.

Well, its fair to say I wouldnt change a wheel bearing unless it needed it and I am probably in the majority there,having never changed any wheel bearing on a Morris Minor and quite content to remain in practical ignorance on the subject, mine is pure indolent curiosity.

[sirrom]

I had to replace one bearing about 18 months ago to get through my road vehicle inspection (Warrant of Fitness probably like your MOT). My car already had tappered bearings so seeing I replaced the one I did the 4 in end. All I had to do its tap out the old cups and tap in the new cups, grease them and pack some grease and thats all.
The bearing numbers are E30303DJ (outer) and H-E30205J (inner). Think the 4 bearings and seals cost be about NZ$90 or fraction under that.
I think NZ had more Morries on the road in NZ than they did in Australia. We were still assembling the van/ute in 1974 after production stopped in the UK as they had plenty of CKD packs here.

[bmcecosse]

Good information there - thanks for that. So - these are used without an internal spacer? Nut just nipped up and then retained with the split pin ??