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New hub with new bearing not fitting spindle

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by TexasWheels, Jul 23, 2013.

  1. Jul 23, 2013
    TexasWheels

    TexasWheels New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2013
    Messages:
    40
    Guys I bought a front brake conversion kit from here
    http://shop.rp4wd.com/product/kits-disc-5

    1961 CJ5 Willys.

    I have removed the drum brakes. When I go to mount the new hub, which included new bearings, it does not fit onto the "upper" spindle. I did pack the bearings. I have sprayed WD40 on the spindle, per RP4WD. I have tightened on a spindle nut as far as my impact driver will take it and nothing seems to work.

    Any ideas?

    MLW
     
    TexasWheels, Jul 23, 2013
    #1
  2. Jul 24, 2013
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    Not sure what you mean by the "upper spindle".

    Are you saying that the assembly goes onto the spindle but the big wheel bearing nuts can't pull the bearing up snug? If this is the case, you may need to change out the inner bearing race for the thicker one. There is an "early" and a "late" inner bearing race, one is about 1/8" thicker than the other and that spaces the hub outboard on the spindle a bit.

    A search in the tech sections will probably turn up lots of info, it has been discussed here many times before.
     
    w3srl, Jul 24, 2013
    #2
  3. Jul 24, 2013
    TexasWheels

    TexasWheels New Member

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    That is what I am saying. It appears there are two parts to the spindle, the one inside . I may be calling things the wrong name. I am thinking that taking a video and posting it to youtube, maybe the best way to show this issue.

    When I look at inner bearing race on youtube, I don't think this is where the issue lies.

    Stay tuned I have to catch a flight home and take the kids to soccer before I can take the video
     
    TexasWheels, Jul 24, 2013
    #3
  4. Jul 24, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Check for burrs on the spindle. The inside diameter of the bearings is the same regardless except for disc brake inner bearings which are actually larger. R&P installs the thicker race to be used with the drum brake spindle to space the hub/rotor correctly. I have seen some spindles that were "swollen" not allowing the inner bearing to go on.
    At no time should any power tool be used to tighten the nuts. You can damage the bearings and races. If they won't go on by hand STOP and find the hang up.
    I'd suggest posting a pic of what you are running into. First a pic of the bare spindle then a few of the installation process.
    This may help. I've done this conversion countless times and usually the problem lies with the spindle being burred or damaged if the hub won't go on far enough.


    Sent from my iPhone
     
    nickmil, Jul 24, 2013
    #4
  5. Jul 25, 2013
    TexasWheels

    TexasWheels New Member

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    My neighbor (mechanic) came over last night and found metal in the bearings and the race. He was able to clean the hub and bearings at work. I will call R&P and ask for new Races and a seal... then start over.

    This time I think I'll let my neighbor walk me through it. Fingers crossed.
     
    TexasWheels, Jul 25, 2013
    #5
  6. Jul 25, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    If you used an impact driver or air impact that is probably the source if the metal. Check the threads on the spindle and nuts very carefully for damage.


    Sent from my iPhone
     
    nickmil, Jul 25, 2013
    #6
  7. Jul 25, 2013
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2006
    Messages:
    2,882
    If you tightened it with an impact, you probably destroyed the spindle, bearings, and races. You may be to the do-over zone.
     
    Daryl, Jul 25, 2013
    #7
  8. Jul 26, 2013
    Im a doughball

    Im a doughball Member

    Oregon City
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    The other thing to take into account, is, with the thicker race used in this kit, the hub seal will not ride on the spindle in the same location as it used to. Better to check the relationship between the caliper and the rotor, than the spindle and seal when trying to determine if everything is in its proper place.
     
    Im a doughball, Jul 26, 2013
    #8
  9. Jul 29, 2013
    TexasWheels

    TexasWheels New Member

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    Still working on this. New post to come by end of week, with an update.

    I hope to get this baby moving by the weekend
     
    TexasWheels, Jul 29, 2013
    #9
  10. Aug 5, 2013
    TexasWheels

    TexasWheels New Member

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    Jun 19, 2013
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    Resolution!!!!!!!!
    After a month or so troubleshooting this we stepped back for a sanity check. Inadvertently the kit came with the wrong size bearings. We got the hubs and calipers on over the weekend. Last night we went to put on the hoses and the lines disintegrated ;) Its a 1961 I expected some of this!!

    Off to the store again!!
     
    TexasWheels, Aug 5, 2013
    #10
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