D50 wheel bearings spinning on spindle

[homelessduck]

For about a year now I have had an intermittent squealing sound. It comes and goes, sometimes not making a peep for months. I thought it might be the wheel bearings so I tore them down and inspected everything. Everything looked fine, other than very light evidence of the wheel bearings spinning on the spindle. I replaced the wheel bearings with cheapies because I thought I was going to part it out a long time ago... Anyway, when I took it for a test spin the noise was still there. That was a year, maybe two years ago. I have been trying to track down the problem ever since. My ball joints ended up taking a poop on me so I had to tear the front end apart again.. When I tore it down I noticed the wheel bearings have been spinning on the spindle quite a bit. This has to be the culprit. SO, is this common with cheap bearings? There are no significant grooves.. New quality bearings and reassemble ?

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Bearings there work on the principle of the path of least resistance - basically the friction between the inner race and the spindle is much higher than that between the inner and outer race via the rollers, so it's the outer race that should rotate on the rollers and inner race as opposed to the whole bearing spinning on the spindle. I always leave the spindle bone-dry in that area when installing the bearings, the less lubrication there the higher the friction and the less chance of inner race spin. Still, how do the bearings feel? Could be they were low on grease and didn't roll right internally? Any pitting on the rollers or races?

 

[riotwarrior]

You already have an issue so spindle replacement may be in order or new bearings.

An EMERGENCY repajr I have used is to take a centre punch and tap several...spots on spot bearing race setz on thus creating a hih spot..or several high spots...may have to tap race on but should hold tight for testing purposes and determine if thats the issue.

If squeeling stops spindle needs immediate replacement.

JM2CW

 

[homelessduck]

The bearings felt much better than I was expecting when I initially installed them. They still feel the same. No pitting. I do tend to get a little grease happy, so I may have had some between the bearing and spindle. When I dry fit the inner bearing it spun way too easy on the spindle. Zero resistance. The outer bearing was a tighter fit. I think I will pick up some quality bearings ( Recommendations ? ) and see if they fit any better. Depending on how the new ones fit, I may look for a new spindle. Then install them with bearing Loctite.

 

[Black dawg]

I would try a better bearing and see how it fits on the spindle. I have run into bearings that were just sized wrong. I would only use the loctite trick as a very last resort.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

I'd go for what the factory put in there, most likely Timken or Koyo. The race should fit pretty tight on the spindle, so going by your description of things you should see the inner bearing behaving like the outer. Is bearing Loctite the green stuff? Careful with that stuff, it's also used as a sleeve retainer in engines, supposedly it doesn't give a #2 how much heat you subject it to (unlike red Locite which is removed by applying heat first) and instead requires machining for removal. How the heck one machines Loctite that has cured between a cylinder sleeve and the engine block is beyond me, but that's what it says on the the tube it comes in.

 

[mblaney]

You can get a Loctite product for installing loose fit bearings - I use this stuff to install bearings and seals in Mercruiser outdrives (as per the overhaul manual). Google Loctite 660.

I agree new spindle and Timken bearings though.

Easiest fix is put a D60 in there!

 

[FarmerFrank]

I have a set or two...or three of spindles if you want a set cheap.

I also agree with all of the above. Good bearings, knurle the spindle a bit with a center punch and put green loctite on. Probably won't move anymore after that

 

[franklin2]

I had this problem with a old mustang I had. I ended up getting new spindles to fix it, but the center punch idea did work for me. The only problem was each time I got it inspected, my drums were riveted and they had to pull the whole hub off to check the front shoes. After I center punched the inner race the bearing would not easily slide off so when they pulled the drum it stayed on the spindle along with the grease seal.

Once the bearings have started to spin, they wear the spindle and nothing is going to work to keep them from spinning except punching the surface. Be careful with the locktite and don't let it get in the bearing.

 

[riotwarrior]

If you put greennlocktite on u will never get the bearing off without a torch to cut it....


JM2CW

 

[laserjock]

The green bearing retainer is crazy stuff.

 

[homelessduck]

I have a set or two...or three of spindles if you want a set cheap.

I also agree with all of the above. Good bearings, knurle the spindle a bit with a center punch and put green loctite on. Probably won't move anymore after that

How much would you want for a set shipped to 97530?

Thanks for all of the help guys, I appreciate it !

 

[riotwarrior]

I might have a spindle or two floatin about eh....


Shipping price u csn havd em

 

[Waystro]

I might have a spindle or two floatin about eh....


Shipping price u csn havd em

If homelessduck doesn't get them is the offer open to other members?

 

[homelessduck]

Thanks Al ! I'm getting a set from FarmerFrank but I appreciate the offer !