We just replaced the front wheel bearings in a 1972 stock chevelle. There is a cap that goes on the inside of the inside bearing. With this cap pushed in until it hits the ridge in the hub, there is lots of play in the bearing behind it. Is this normal?

Thanks!

Are you talking about the large washer with the tab that fits in the groove on the spindle? If you can't push it up against the bearing without it bottoming out against something other than the bearing, then you have something wrong.

Did you replace the rotors as well? There;s bearing races that goes into the rotor before you put the bearings in. If you forgot those, that could allow the bearings to go too far into the rotors and not allow you to adjust them right..... just a thought.

Make sure you figure it out before driving it with the bearings too loose smile.gif

Chris

I hate to think this, but are you sure you didn't put the parts in backwards? The race (the piece with no moving parts) goes in first, wide part in. Then the freshly greased bearing, followed by a new grease seal. I have seen them put together bassackwards before. Sorry, but that's what it sounds like has happened. ;)

Originally posted by larry757:
We just replaced the front wheel bearings in a 1972 stock chevelle. There is a cap that goes on the inside of the inside bearing. With this cap pushed in until it hits the ridge in the hub, there is lots of play in the bearing behind it. Is this normal?

Thanks! Are you talking about the grease seal on the inner bearing? This is tapped in after the inner bearing is placed into the race. If so, yes, there IS some "play" between the bearing and the grease seal. This "play" is taken up when the rotor/hub is installed onto the spindle and the outer bearing, washer, and nut are properly tightened.

I put the race in first, then the bearing, then the cap (which I think is the grease seal) over the bearing. The cap hits a groove, but the race is well past the groove. Is it possible that I pushed the race in too far?

Yeah, it sounds like you are talking about the grease seal. MalibuJerry's right, after you put that in, the bearing will be loose in there, until you put the rotors back on, and tighten down the bearings. I think you'll be all set... smile.gif

chris