Need advice with wheel bearing issue

[twodollarbill]

Greetings everyone, I'm in need of a little advice. I have a new to me 2008 Starcraft. I've pulled all the wheels and hubs to take a look at the bearings and repack etc, everything looks good.

However, there is one spindle that measures slightly larger and out of spec compared to the other three for the outer bearing location. The outer bearing is an L44649 and the inside diameter measures 1.062". The spindle in question measures between 1.0625"-1.063". All other spindles measure 1.061"-1.0615".

I'm able to push the bearing on with the castle nut but it doesn't float like the rest. This seemingly hasn't been a problem thus far and I think I'll just need to sneak up on the preload and call it good. Wondering what insight others might offer?

[Gjac]

Without seeing the spindle itself(does it looked galled to you?) I would ask how did you measured it? A micrometer, vernier caliper, dial gauge? It is hard for two people to measure .005 consistently and get the same reading. If there is no visible galling I would leave it alone and tighten it the way RCMAN46 suggested. If you get too aggressive with the shoe shine to try to achieve the same readings on each spindle you could be off more than .0005 ins.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Use a long strip of emery paper and shoe-shine the spindle. Try to get it reasonably even just for drill. This is a cheap fix that few ought to argue against.

[Dave_H_M]

I am in the hoefler camp here. Why not get it right, since it would not be a big nut roll to do so? :h

[eHoefler]

It has had a spun bearing at some point. When a bearing spins, it will gall the race and the spindle, transferring metal to one another. Have the spindle dressed either by filing or sanding with emery cloth. The bearing needs to slide freely on the spindle to get a proper set. NEVER force a bearing on with the nut or any other method.

[ScottG]

As long as you can get it on without a lot of force you'll be fine.

[Charlie_D_]

Tapered bearings do not normally require a press fit because the thrust set should place enough pressure in the roller bearing so that bearing does not turn on the shaft.

A slight press, and it sounds like that is what you have, should be O.K. If it will go completely in and engage the cup I would set the bearing the same as the others. As Donn said, too loose is better than too tight. If in doubt, sand the shaft with emery cloth.

[twodollarbill]

Wow, that was fast, thanks! I've never had a bearing not go on by hand...don't like it but thanks for setting me straight.

[RCMAN46]

I agree that you may be OK.

As for preload I would recommend tightening the castle nut at least 25 ft lbs turn wheel to make sure the bearing has seated.

Then back off the nut so it is loose then go finger tight then back off to the nearest spindle hole for the cotter key.

I use this method for all of my bearings.

[donn0128]

Your worried about a half a thou? Your over obsessing things You need to drink a beer and go camping! If it really bothers you, take some medium grade emory cloth and polish it down.

[Bob_Olallawa]

Better to be tight than spinning