Rear Wheel Spindle and Bearings

[CANXB12X]

Hi everyone,

I have stripped the rear of my XB12X for a tire replacement, belt and bearings. Upon disassembly and giving some thought to how I was going to remove the bearings, I came to realise that the spindle and bearing clearance seems excessive. The bearings in the wheel currently are very tight and difficult to turn by finger and thumb. My thoughts are that maybe the spindle is turning in the bearings and that the bearing is not turning itself. Could it be possible that the wheel is only turning on the inner bearing surface and spindle? When the spindle is put in the wheel and spun the bearing does not turn, of course this is not under load. Should the spindle not be tight against the bearings to necessitate bearing rotation? The bearing surfaces on the spindle does not appear to have excess wear.

Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated. Thankyou

 

[uly luigi]

Bearings are bad, common maintenance, don't over analize, when you get the bearings out, check the spacer for wear/damage, ASB has replacement bearings

 

[user_deleted]

Bearings are bad, common maintenance, don't over analize, when you get the bearings out, check the spacer for wear/damage, ASB has replacement bearings

and so does most all local bearing and parts warehouses. they are extremely common bearings in the auto industry. places like autozone and pepboys have them/can order them. many posts on here with the correct bearing part #. extremely rare to see an inner spacer worn or damaged and this spacer is what pre-loads the distance between the bearing races. correctly installing replacement bearings and torquing rear axle on reinstall sets this preload.

 

[CANXB12X]

Does anyone know what the clearance between the rear spindle and the bearing is suppose to be ? I am concerned that the rear bearings are turning on the spindle,and the bearings are not, because the spindle is not a snug fit. I have 2 thou clearance.

 

[user_deleted]

you mentioned spindle and i believe you mean spacer. the spacer lies inside the hub between the left and right inner wheel bearings. the spacer is what the axle goes thru inside the hub if that makes sense. .002 is fine. the slight clearance is taken up once the wheel and axle is installed and axle torqued to spec.

 

[CANXB12X]

Thanks lunaticfringe.I'll talking about the clearance between the inner bearing surface and where that bearing rides on the spindle, mine having a .002 clearance. I am concerned mine is to loose and the wheels spindle,that you undo, is spinning on the inside of the bearing and that the bearing is not turning.

 

[jimijeans]

Canxb12x, The axle slides through the bearings on the inner assembly of the bearing itself. The Axle is Tapered to precise specs and that small amount of space is needed for proper operation of the front or rear wheel.once the whole axle is tightened up and the wheel is installed it is ready.
The Spacer BTW does not go into the bearings but goes up close to them. Only the axle tightens up for all to stay in place.That is why it is Tapered, the spacer is only a (spacer)not an Inner Bearing Sleave, and covers the exposed areas of the axle bolt through the wheels try the front one fully installed push on the spacer does yours move any?
Always check a machine if OR when possible before you work on it. This way you can be sure before starting your work. If the Thin metal Spacer was to be loose when riding it would not last 1,500miles. It's only a spacer so you will be fine.
Replace the Bearings if needed and make sure to inspect the whole assembly. Do not hit the spacer with a chisel to think it will help remove the Bearings. It will Mushroom and possibly Damage the Rims inner Casting itself.You may get lucky and remove it hitting that spacer Make sure to Install a new one Before reassembly, just remove the bearing on one side and slide the spacer right out.Then a Round punch will remove the other one. Make sure to put some 2x4s on one side to get clearence & something to protect the rim if laying down the rim to knock out the 2nd bearing w/ the pumch.
Take your time and you will get it. It will take a slide hammer style puller & expander to remove the 1st bearing. Harbor Freight May have what is needed.Remember Unless you buy Kent Moore Tools The Slight Differences on Other Manufactures may make you have to improvise using the Expander to get it inside the bearing maybe just lightly Tap it just so it slips inside the inner piece OR tap it in with a small Hammer then tighten it up and use the slide to help remove it.
My friend had A Harbor Freight Tool bearing remover And I had to do that to make it work.I did that cause Too many miles back to N.C. for my tools, so yeah we made do. Had to put the bearing in a vise to tap the Expander out. My tools would have been faster but it did the job. Take Your Time. Post up if needed.*Jimi