Morris Minor Owners Club

Can anyone give a definitive answer to one or two queries I have over refitting rear axke bearings, please? What is the reason why the bearing should be proud of the housing by 0 001-0.004" and is this net of the gasket thickness? Also, I understand that lubrication of the bearings is achieved by the EP90 oil in the diff. Is there any harm in, therefore, in pre-greasing them on fitting new ones as a precaution until oil takes over the lubricaton? Lastly, I know the paper gaskets are not supposed to have any sealant and that the "O" ring should ensure oil tightness, but all the YouTube videos show sealant being applied to the gaskets. There's very little uniformity in the info available. Expert advice welcomed! Thanks.

Just one more thing: is the correct torque for the rear bearing nuts really 140ft lb? I have trouble at my age (almost 83) pulling a 100ft lb!!

The bearing stands proud of the hub to allow the bearing to be nipped up tight in the housing when the half-shaft is fitted. The thickness of the gasket is important as the thickness controls the amount of nip. See BMC wksp manual for details. The gasket only needs to be smeared with general purpose grease. There is absolutely no need for sealing goo. If it needs goo then there is something wrong.
There is no BMC torque specified for the rear axle hub nuts. They just have to be done up very tight - but not gorilla tight..
The special BMC spanner for the hub nut had a handle bar that is of a certain length (16.5") so as to with normal effort would tighten the hub nut to the correct torque. This can be achieved with the correct size socket and a breaker bar.
You can pack the bearings with wheel bearing grease. Also pack the hub seal with wheel grease.
Make sure that the drain hole in the backplate just below the axle casing is clear.

That is most helpful, Phil. Thank you. I guessed that the bearing should be slightly proud for it to be nipped up tight. I normally just use grease on gaskets like this. It's so logical when you come to it. Instincts are usually best!

A tip: I found when fitting the lock washer (rear hub Nut 2A7250) axle bearings is to bend the tab slightly inwards first before refitting, which helps its location no end, otherwise it's very tricky and nigh impossible!

I would suggest fitting a new lock washer every time.

Good advice - for little cost!