6 replies to this topic

[rustyrood]

Hi All,

 

My first post (other than introduce yourself)

 

I've gone off on a tangent with the mini... I noticed some surface rust on my rear subframe so decided I would buy a new (to me) one off ebay, and have it blasted and coated to stay strong forever more. This fairly simple task took a bit of a detour when I decided to replace everything that was fixed to the rear subframe and then replace the whole assembly (for no other reason than to "know it was all good").

 

So, since then I also purchased;

 2x Radius Arms (Used)
 2x Radius Arm Repair Kits (New)
 1x Radius Arm Brake Brakets (New)
 2x Radius Arm / Subframe Brackets (Used)

 2x HiLos (New)

 2x HilLo Extention Bars (New)

 2x Rubber Cone Spring (New)
 2x Braided Hoses (New)

 2x Handbrake Cables (New)
 2x Rear Brake Assemblies, Back Plates with shoes (New)
 2x New Rear Drums (New)
 2x Rear Hubs (Used)

 

I think other than wheel bearings and a few nuts and washers i'm nearly there. Anyway, this post is about the Hubs. When they arrived this week, my first thought was that they looked brand new, clean and painted I thought they were ready to go. No sign of wear on the inside.... but then I noticed something which looked like some serrious wear on the outside. I'm not entirely sure what they should look like, but my gut feel is that they're not good! Photos attached, I was hoping someone might have some advise on their condition please?

Attached Files

•  IMG_7767.JPG   45.91K   5 downloads
•  IMG_7768.JPG   37.75K   5 downloads
•  IMG_7769.JPG   63.18K   5 downloads
•  IMG_7770.JPG   58.67K   5 downloads

Edited by rustyrood, 20 August 2017 - 08:16 AM.

[Ethel]

I was more concerned that the rust on the bearing seats might effect the fit. They look ok to me.

[cian]

They appear refreshed rather than new but you will know if they are worn if the bearing races just slide in with little effort, I wouldn't worry to much about the surface rust get the wire wool out and clean it up, what bearings are you going to use?

Edited by cian, 20 August 2017 - 01:54 AM.

[rustyrood]

Thanks guys, It was the strange shape of the lip which I believe the grease cap sits on that was worrying me. I thought it looked like the lip had been worn down a bit (highlighted yellow)... but looking at the drawings - it seems it's just the cap sits on it, so I cant see any reason it would be grinding down. I'm starting to think they're made using a fairly rough and ready casting method.

 

Since posting I also tried seating the hubs within the drums, and found one of them must have the bolts in slightly wonky / bent as it doesn't even fit in the holes. The other ones fine though :-(

 

I think the surface rust might just be some paint from where they sprayed them. I'll give them a quick clean before installing bearings.. 

 

Bearings wise, I was debating the standard 'mini spares' bearing set vs sourcing a Timken set. I'm leaning towards the Timken option - unless advised it's a waste of money.

 

Attached Files

•  IMG_7770_edit.JPG   38.84K   0 downloads

Edited by rustyrood, 20 August 2017 - 08:17 AM.

[Ethel]

The casting isn't perfect, as long as the machining makes it near perfect where it matters. The easy way to fit studs is to pull them, through the drum etc, using the wheel nuts. If one's that misaligned knock it out and start again - nut on the end to protect the thread.

[Rorf]

The grease cap sits in the hub, not on. Hubs look ok, just check bearing outer race tolerance.

[cian]

Always go timken! Cheaper bearings are cheaper for a reason! I have rear timkens in stock at £30 each