RE: [A/S] Question: Replacing bearing races

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Christopher,
I am not a bearing expert, but normally one does not change only a part of
the mating components of a ball or roller bearing (such as the race or balls
or rollers).

The reason is that any conditions which would cause damage to a component of
the bearing will also cause related damage to the mating component.  Hence,
you really don't fix anything, just perpetuate or create another problem.

The most common bearing damage problem is heat build up caused by inadequate
lubrication )or even dirt in the bearing lubricant).  Although the race may
show more apparent damage, recognize that the visible damage was caused by
the ball or roller which scored the race.  Thus, the ball (or roller) is now
a part of the problem and will now likely cause damage to a new race (if one
were to be installed).

So, the best thing to do is change the entire bearing as soon as possible.
In the mean time, pack the old bearing with some fresh grease and limp
along.

Another cause of wheel bearing failure is caused by over tightening the
bearing  when reassembling the spindle.  I am sure the technique for
tightening the bearing has been covered many times on this list and in the
manuals.

Oliver Filippi