The 'E' Type Forum

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

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.

The spinners are definitely tight, I will need to look at the hub splines more closely but I don't think it's these

6mm is huge.....I wouldnt be supprised if your wheel fell off ...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

Or the uj's.

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.

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

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

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

3mm still sounds exessive, how & where did you measure it?

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

Specified max end float is .006.