Rear wheel bearing assembly installation

[Timothy B.]

Re: Rear wheel bearing assembly installation

Hi Dom,

Don't know what fishing line test is but I found it in my old tackle box with firecrackers and a bottle rocket. Those poor fish, I have not opened that box in forty years..

[Stephen B.]

Re: Rear wheel bearing assembly installation

Regarding shim stack. If you want to really dial a set of shims in take one of the thicker shims and have a local machine shop surface grind the thickest shim to remove the material required to complete the exact dimension required. This shouldn.t cost much at all, and it's dead nut correct .
As for the alienment, I've used string, a carpenters square,and a bubble level for years with great success. I don't want to sound cocky but I haven't used an alianment shop for years and have no scuffed tires. It's just common sence.If nothing else you'll learn from the experiance and won't scuff your tires on the way to the pro who will probably charge you out the wazoo.
Another issue with these instalations is the spring. That thing can KILL you or seriously hurt you. I've seen these things put a rollaround jack right through the wall.You have to maintain control of the spring at all times. I made a tool years ago to control the spring while working on the rear end. I made a bracket that clamps over the lipp on the crossmember. In that bracket I tapped 2 1/2inch coarse thread holes so 2 pieces of threaded stock could be inserted and extend past the spring on either side of it.I then made a shaft with clearance holes on either end and a roller between the holes.The shaft and roller slides on to the two threaded rods. Put two good quality nuts and some washers with grease and start compressing that spring safely.You now control the spring. Safety,Safety,Safety
Stehen Barrett
59,66,71,73

[Timothy B.]

Re: Rear wheel bearing assembly installation

Stephen,

I agree with you about safety, it's the most important thing to remember.

When I remove the rear spring, the floor jack with a piece of thick soft rubber works well. Block the frame just behind the door close about the same height as ride height then jack one side of the spring just enough to remove the nut and cushions and let it down, never had a problem..