5 replies to this topic

[marc]

Are metro front wheel bearings the same as mini ones?

I'm rebuilding a set now for my project car. I've heard metro hubs change the suspension geometry but as i'm using ajustable arms this shouldn't be a problem? Also what needs doing with the drive flanges to make mini wheels fit? Or will mini flanges fit metro hubs?

Thanks in advance,
marc

[miniboo]

i think you might need to machine off a flange on them but i am not sure. i dont think mini flanges fit the metro hubs.

[Pavel]

Metro hubs are interchangeable with mini ones, but they do mess up suspension geometry (in other words, don't do it!!). Metro and mini bearings as far as I know are interchangeable also but metros used ball bearings whereas minis use roller bearings (Or other way around?). Ball bearings are freer but last a lot less, roller bearings bind more but are unlikely to fail as dramatically (again... Other way around? ).

And you can't REALLY correct metro hub geometry using lower arms, They've got a completely different king pin angle. IF you have your heart set on using metro hubs (if you're on a desert island and the only disc brakes you can find for your turbo monster are those off a metro) then I STRONGLY suggest using metro-offset wheels. They have a very significant inset, and will make steering a lot lighter and eliminate the crazy amount of bumpsteer you would have if you fit mini wheels to metro hubs (hate to even THINK what would happen if you used 13x7 or 13x8!!).

Drive flanges need those little quarter-circle lugs machined off if you're to use mini wheels. Those lugs (just aruond the centre hub nut) are used on metro's to locate the wheel dead-centre since they don't have centering wheel nuts.

[pikey7]

metro and mini drive flanges are not the same. As Pavel mentioned, the Metro centring hub will have to be machined off to fit mini wheels, and the thickness of the two is quite different. You'll need the Metro ones to put the disc in the right place on either hub so it's central in the caliper.

[marc]

Thankyou all, i'll fit them and see what happens handling/steering wise. Can always change to mini huds at a later date, i have 13x7 starmags so we will see...

[Guess-Works.com]

The metro hubs use the ball bearing type bearings, but this is because the offset of the wheel is greater ( ie more of the wheel is over the hub ) if you are using mini wheels, then timken bearings should be used... also before driving with metro hubs too far, ie to a specialist to set up the suspension you will find it VERY twitchy on the steering, especially with deepdish 13" rims