24-02-2022, 07:15 PM
New ball races come in a range of grades and tolerances and some have deliberate generous axial clearance for the many applications where shfts wobble to some degree (gearbox s, rear hubs etc) . The radial clearance determines play in most applications although not easy to assess. I am not saying it is not worn but it may not be. The bearings are very generously sized.
Everyone should be familar with the diagram Tony provided. The washer alongside the felt is discernible. Note the outer race is not externally clamped so wheel play on initial assembly may increase slightly after a little running. On many BMC cars angular contact races are used and the length of the spacer and whether or not over crushed is critical. AC races must not be used in the Seven!
(The Manual for my 1964 Minx states and emphasises .002 to .007 end float for the hubs. I have always maintained this and as the bearings have doen 200,000 seems to have worked. But, combined with wear on the axle, causes apoplexy when going for a wof. So rather than argue I overtighten and slacken before and after every tedious and expensive 6 month ritual. Repeat wrangles over tolerances for older vehicles is a major disincentive to run an older car here, although registration is very cheap)
Everyone should be familar with the diagram Tony provided. The washer alongside the felt is discernible. Note the outer race is not externally clamped so wheel play on initial assembly may increase slightly after a little running. On many BMC cars angular contact races are used and the length of the spacer and whether or not over crushed is critical. AC races must not be used in the Seven!
(The Manual for my 1964 Minx states and emphasises .002 to .007 end float for the hubs. I have always maintained this and as the bearings have doen 200,000 seems to have worked. But, combined with wear on the axle, causes apoplexy when going for a wof. So rather than argue I overtighten and slacken before and after every tedious and expensive 6 month ritual. Repeat wrangles over tolerances for older vehicles is a major disincentive to run an older car here, although registration is very cheap)