front wheel bearing

[capnjoe]

I have a new wheel bearing and want to install it myself- I have a shop/press available and a mechanic friend who has been very helpful with the car. What I'd like to know is about any pitfalls or things to look out for. How long does it take to do this and how hard is it? I do have the scorp shop manual which does not make it seem hard. But I know better. Thanks!

[A1.6HPE]

Hello capnjoe,
I did one of mine and it was the easiest wheel bearing job I have ever done. My car is an S2 and I don't know if that makes much difference. I removed the complete hub and stub axle and simply tapped/pushed out the old bearing with a suitable sized socket spanner pressed against it and then pulled in the new one using a long thick bolt with big strong washers at each end. I had hoped to remove the stub axle on its own but couldn't get a spanner onto the head of the bolt that runs throufh the hub assembly.

Leo

[Will]

It helps if you have the correct tools to rremove the darn retaining rings, especially if they are corroded into place:

http://www.savetheledges.org/test/AVS/images/tech/hubwrench.jpg

Ed at Caribou had these (Starker part #s) but Dave Beale in the UK ordered a set and I believe they failed to arrive in a timely fashion- if at all?

Pictured are mine- a loaner could be arranged but requires a (refundable)deposit and insured shiping both ways, since these are now apparently irreplaceable.

Incidentally, I am getting into some metal casting and these are on my list of parts to replicate in the future.

[capnjoe]

Will, I have access to an excellent shop for fabrication at present and might be able to make this special tool- at least could get a few more in circulation since I don't expect to need them often. It would be a fun project. I see the picture. Can you provide some dimensions? It looks like a hex with one characteristic length and a thickness, containing a square opening in the center, and a small "collar". Two are pictured- but it seems that only one is needed. Yes?

Thanks, Joe

[Will]

One for front wheels, one for back wheels. The Outside dimension is the same as the hub rings and the inside dimension can be 3/8" or 1/2"to suit your choice of socket drives- these ones are 1/2".

They could be flame or water jet cut without too much effort, but I want a good casting project and I think aluminum would be easier on the repalcement brass rings if they are the same size- (I'm not positive they are).

[capnjoe]

OK, now I understand what this tool does. Is the "collar" essential or would cutting the shape out of a flat piece of stock do the trick? We don't have casting here, but we have a wonderful cutter that uses a thin wire and high voltage to so very precise work.

Thanks,Joe

[Will]

No, you don't need the collar, and if you have an EDM it should be a snap to make yourself a set since the geometry is so very basic..

[capnjoe]

Yes, that is the plan. I also expect that to make 6 will be the same amount of work as to make one. Do you want an extra set? I still need to measure the OD of the tools but I guess if I pull the wheel I'll see where to measure.

[Will]

Joe;

OD's are 52 and 65mm respectively. They are 16mm thick (5/8" stock should work) and they have a 4mm deep x 30mm dia counterbore in the back side. You need to look at the spindle of the hub to see if this is necessary- I don't think so, but I'm not positive.

If you are able to make them cheap enough (i.e. $10 a set or so) then I will take a couple of sets, I know one fellow in the UK who needs one and I don't want to ship my originals to the UK or domestically for loaners. Two sets would let me send one to the UK and have a loaner set for domestic use that I would not have to worry about getting back.

Unfortunately, I have not had a lot of luck with some folks getting stuff back, I am currently out an entire plastic boxed shim set, a FIAT OEM tappet depressor, the cam wheel locking tool , and the flare die for the clutch line bulkhead fitting. All loaned in "good faith" and none returned.

Then , another guy got upset that I required a $400 deposit for my cam degreeing fixture. I had to remind him that it was he who contacted me asking to use the tool, not the other way 'round. A lot of these tools are nearly impossible to come by any more.

[mogul_x]

Cap'n Joe,

If you're going to be EDM-ing extra copies of the retaining ring removal tools, I'd probably be interested in getting a set. Let me know how much you'd want for one of each size.

[capnjoe]

Thanks to Will and to all. I will get to this project asap and I'll let you all know if there are extras available when I get it done. I need to check on the availability of 5/8 stock as well.

I would not "sell" them but might recoup the shipping if it's significant. I can't go into production on these but should be able to have a few sets. It may be effective if there is more demand to take advantage of Will's loaner offer esp if I can get him another set or two.

My plan is to draw these out, get them made and then make sure they fit on my car. I'll keep y'all posted.

Joe

[Darren]

Hi Cap'n Joe - count me in for a set - and if anyone out there has/is making cam wheel locks count me in for one of those too!

Darren

[Snakeman]

I am not sure if I anone else has mentioned it but Dont forget to take out the big circlip before pressing out the bearing. It sits hidden away behind the metal dust cover on the inside edge (behind the big nut)

Failure to do this will break the hub casting

S

[capnjoe]

Thanks again to all- wheel bearing renewal completed this weekend successfully. My shop produced one tool milled out of a piece of aluminum. The machinist intended to make a two-sided tool that would do front and rear. However, he programmed the machine incorrectly and cut both sides too small. Thus, he had to shave down the big side to make something that worked on the front only. This I have and I used. He still promises to make me two of the two-sided tools and if he does I will send what I don't need to Will. Some political changes around the shop have made this go into overtime. And yes, I know that there were easier ways to do this, but I indulge this particular craftsman who is really an artist.

[capnjoe]

Hi to All, Well, the changing political situation at my former shop disrupted my ability to get the final tools made. I have nice drawings however, and one tool that fits the front wheel bearing only. As Will has offered in the past, I'd be happy to offer a short term loan to folks who need it and who will take care of it. There is some chance my buddy will slip the work in sometime in the future, but he no longer works for my OTHER buddy, and instead works for a representative of the dark side of the force.

Yours Aye, Joe

[Wallace]

Chad at the Monte Hospital now does the tools - not too expensive either . .