Play In rear hub

Technical advice Q&A

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Iansparky
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#1 Play In rear hub

Post by Iansparky » Tue May 20, 2025 7:27 pm

hi All
What is the acceptable amount of play in the rear hub bearings at the tyre, I have measured mine and have a good 6mm of movement, I know these bearings should be set up with end float that will result in wheel wobble but this seems a bit excessive to me, do I need to investigate ASAP or is it OK to drive with this amount of play till the winter.
Many thanks
Ian
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van

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bitsobrits
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#2 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by bitsobrits » Tue May 20, 2025 8:12 pm

6mm is waay too much play. And the specified end float does not result in 'wheel wobble'. Seems to me you may have a bearing that is disintegrating.

Are you sure the movement is because of hub bearings? If the mounting splines are worn, or the spinner is not tight, that may be contributing some play also.
Steve
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)

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Iansparky
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#3 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Iansparky » Tue May 20, 2025 8:23 pm

The spinners are definitely tight, I will need to look at the hub splines more closely but I don't think it's these
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van

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mgcjag
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#4 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by mgcjag » Tue May 20, 2025 8:32 pm

6mm is huge.....I wouldnt be supprised if your wheel fell off :wow: ...all the bearing specs are in the service manual...however there is a good argument to set the rears with pre load if you search....ps could also be diff?.
.Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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Allrand
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#5 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Allrand » Wed May 21, 2025 6:05 am

Or the uj's.
Randall Botha
'64 3.8 fhc & '51 Mk 7 (now sold)

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40GT
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#6 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by 40GT » Wed May 21, 2025 6:47 am

Anything inboard of the Hub/Upright and drive yoke unit won't cause this end float.

As said it is most likely the bearings, but it is so excessive, have you tried the yoke nut, is the split pin missing allowing it to come loose.
Sean

S1 2+2 1966 BW RHD
XK120 1954 comp LHD

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Iansparky
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#7 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Iansparky » Wed May 21, 2025 6:57 am

That's answers my question, I need to sort it before going up the Shelsley walsh hill climb and definitely before my trip to le mans classic in July. I have read all the end float/ preload discussions and am leaning towards a slight pre load, let's hope my splined yokes come out OK.
Thanks
Ian
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van

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mgcjag
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#8 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by mgcjag » Wed May 21, 2025 7:53 am

With that much movement you may find that the aluminium carrier is damaged where the inner bearing fits have a look in the sale section as I have some....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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Iansparky
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#9 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Iansparky » Wed May 21, 2025 2:09 pm

HIi All
I have been a right muppet, I put the car on the ramp, jacked the wheels, up and that 6mm of play that i measured with a piece of wod turned into 3mm, I then realised that I had reinstalled the bump stop the wrong way wound and this coupled with a lot of crud on the tapered sections of wheel and hub was preventing the wheel fully tightening, a quick clean and swap round of the bump stop and the play has all but disappeared. Thanks for your suggestions but thankfully I can leave the rear alone for now.
Ian
1965 series 1 ots
1972 triumph spitfire
2016 Caddy van

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Allrand
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#10 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Allrand » Wed May 21, 2025 6:02 pm

3mm still sounds exessive, how & where did you measure it?
Randall Botha
'64 3.8 fhc & '51 Mk 7 (now sold)

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Iansparky
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#11 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Iansparky » Wed May 21, 2025 6:23 pm

I measured it at the outer wall of the tyre using a depth micrometer against a square, however its disappeared now I have seated the wheel on the hub correctly
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Allrand
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#12 Re: Play In rear hub

Post by Allrand » Thu May 22, 2025 9:13 am

Specified max end float is .006.
Randall Botha
'64 3.8 fhc & '51 Mk 7 (now sold)

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