MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Outer front wheel bearing orientation

Chaps

A very brief question if I may. I am now in receipt of the "correct" front wheel bearings from Heritage Car parts. Concerning the smaller outer bearing - is any particular orientation required? - ie does the chamfered edge of the outer race face inbound or outbound - or does it not matter? I noted some remark in Haynes re. thrust bearings, and unfortunately Chris Buckingham is on leave and no-one else seems sure of the answer.

My thanks to Guy and Bob again. Removing one shim from the kingpin and a good dollop of grease seems to have done the trick. Took all of 20 minutes......

Obliged as ever.

Mark
Mark O

Somebody will be along in a minute to help you, Mark. I remember asking this question ten years ago, and it DID matter.

The paragraph in Haynes left me utterly confused, I remember.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

Nick

The very paragraph I was referring to! Cannot see any obvious marks on the bearings...

Cheers

Mark
Mark O

The balls need to be thrust against the deeper cup of the outer race when they are fitted, So look closely at the bearings to see which side has the wider flange for the outer race. The front of the bearing will have a narrower outer edge showing around the outer bearing.

When fitted the outer race is pushed outwards by the hub and the inner race is pushed inwards by the axle nut, so fit the bearing with the deeper outer bearing lip inserted into the hub. That way as you put the nut on it will be hold the bearing together
GuyW

Looking back at the pictures I posted back then, this is the way I seem to have put it in.

Is that right, Guy?

(I would not normally enter an engineering discussion, but Mark probably wants to get on with it)

Nick and Cherry Scoop

If you understand how angular contact ball bearings work then the paragraph makes sense. I've always just inspected the bearings to determine which way they go in. If you can find a cutaway drawing showing the bearing arrangement that should help you determine which way they go.
David Billington

Looks right to me Nick.
But then, I am not an engineer! There are Proper Engineers around who will either confirm, or tell the world that I am talking rubbish!!
GuyW

Guy/Nick

Picture looks correct to me. The thinner outer edge of the outer race facing outwards?

Nick - Did you assemble the hub with the bearings and spacer in situ, then persuade onto the stub axle? After a bit of rubbing with emery paper on the axle perhaps?

Mark O

here's a sketch that I've used - shamelessly stolen from Norm Kerr..



graeme jackson

Graeme

Just the job! Cheers!

Mark
Mark O

Hi Mark O.
I did this job myself last week using Heritage bearings & I spoke to Chris about it just so I was 100% sure which way round they went.
The Inner bearing, the one nearest the engine supplied in the plastic bag, has the turned edge facing the engine, It is very obvious from looking at it that one face is nice & curvy, and this fits nicely onto the stub axle.
The outer bearing- the one in the SKF box sits on the OUTSIDE of the hub & has the bigger side pointing towards the OUTSIDE of the car.
I did mine and it all seems fine now with no play.
Hope this helps.
Cheers colin
colin frowen

Sorry Mark - been out for a few hours. But I can't remember anyway.

In between fitting things like wheel bearings (years, usually) I forget entirely what they look like and how they're assembled.

Best way, if you want to keep a few brain cells empty for emergencies.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Great drawing from Norm / Graeme, by the way. That's a keeper.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Another variant of the assembly drawing.

Richard Wale

This thread was discussed on 10/03/2016

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS now