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MG MGA - Immovable Rear Hubs

Nearing the end of my 1600 restoration, decided to replace the rear hub seals( tho' not sure they needed it).Got to the hub removal stage, tried fingers, easy leverage, slide hammer,6in. 2 finger puller, 12in3 finger puller with some force(on both R&L) and no movement.(EXLAX?) I've followed the BBS and Barney's advice without result, and am concerned I might break the hub ears if I turn the screw further. Any advice or comfort? Thanks, Bob Prentice
rsa prentice

Hmmm, perhaps if you rinse the oil out of the bearing with a solvent, such a brake cleaner spray, and dry it, you can then apply heat to the inner race to expand it while simultaneously using a puller. Problem is the fuel tank and fuel line are nearby.
Steve K

I just did this job on my car last weekend and thankfully was able to remove the hubs without a great deal of trouble. As I didn't have a puller I used my brake drum with a spacer as a puller. It's a darn good thing they weren't as tight as yours!
I agree with Steve, heat is the way to go but it will mean replacing the bearings. Just be very careful not to damage the threads on the end of the axle.
Of course, you could just leave the seal be and hope that it doesn't leak!

Good luck,
Rich
Rich McKIe

I know that John Twist uses a gigantic slide hammer and beats the hell out of them. I was able to remove mine with a puller but really had to crank it down. No problem damaging the hub on the way out.

I did however ruin the hub trying to reseat the bearing. Turns out its not a good idea to set the hub down on the concrete garage floor and beat the crap out of it with a 10 pount hammer. Go figure!

They no longer make the hubs so you will pay dearly to get a used one. Be careful.

Good luck.
Jeff Bennett

Pictures of where you are would help. I assume the axle is out and the octagon nut and washer are off. If that is the case you need a larger slide hammer. Most of the do-it-yourself auto parts stores will lend you these type of tools and usually for free. They know that to sell parts they must provide a way to install them or they loose customers to real mechanics.
I would Strongly advise against heat. Heat (especially an Oxy/Ac-torch) should only be used as a last resort and then Very carefully. Consider any thing that got red hot ruined. A propane torch would be safer for the parts.
R J Brown

When all ese fails---- give up! Contemplating damaged hub, replacing bearing, I backed off the big puller, replaced O rings and gaskets and closed it up. I had no evidence the seals were bad in the first place and there's nothing wrong with a head in the sand approach. I thank you all. This old man may sleep tonight. Bob P.
rsa prentice

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2008 and 01/05/2008

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