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When I got this C2 last year, the car had many new parts with many missing. When I took the front hubs out, the inner bearing seal and bearing remained on the spindle and upon closer inspection, the bearing seal wasn't put on properly, so I thought no big deal, just get a seal and pound it in and done. But a C2 bearing seal wouldn't match up to the bearing, and now I found another seal that kinda match up but would still leave a gap between the rubber of the seal and the bearing surface. The other side of the hub had the seal pressed way in but is it how it's done? Below is the problem side w/ the gap and the bearing is a Timken LM48548. Has anyone of you used this bearing and if so, which model seal to use? BTW is the seal suppose to sit flush w/ the hub and not recessed?
Could it be a mixture of C2 and C3 parts (C3 larger bearings)?
This is definitely a possibility as the previous owner had upgraded to various C3 parts like the 2" steering column, rear compartment storage, etc. Here's a picture of the other side w/ the good seal but it is stepped and set almost 1/4" inside the hub.
This is definitely a possibility as the previous owner had upgraded to various C3 parts like the 2" steering column, rear compartment storage, etc. Here's a picture of the other side w/ the good seal but it is stepped and set almost 1/4" inside the hub.
You do realize that the seal rides on the spindle surface (here) closest to the upright don't you? Regardless of which spindle you use, it is intended to ride on this surface.
The seal is normally flush with the rear edge of the hub. It can be in a bit, but it must be able to ride on the smooth surface (above). If it is too far inside the hub, it may not be able to ride on the spindle correctly. Of the two pictures you've posted, I believe that the first one is closest to how it should be assembled. (Second one in SKY65's #6 posting above)
Gents, your suggestions and tips are much appreciated, and Gusto14, your illustration really helps me zero in and see the hub with the seal mounted within the lip won't sit all the way to the spindle surface so looks like I need to stay away from using the various bearings that came with the car and start out fresh.
Bruce, the bearing and seal in your very first picture above appears to be the correct set-up for that particular spindle. The seal in the second picture does not appear to be the correct seal for that hub as it looks like it sits too far in and will not ride on the spindle correctly.
It is entirely possible that if a previous owner damaged one of the original spindles, it was replaced with a later model spindle such as came on the '69-'82. If you have two different bearings, that could easily explain the differences. I would measure and compare the bearings/spindles to the measurements that plaidside provided to see if that is the case. Then if it is the case (that you have two different spindles), because of different dimensional differences in the spindles, you might consider changing one of them to get a matched set dimensionally. I believe that the different spindles not only use different bearings, they also have a different front track. For that reason, it would probably be best to ensure that the spindles are a matched set at least.
Just measured the seal, OD is exactly 2.629, so looks like I have 69-82 wheel hubs. My other issue is my Wilwood C2 brake kit won't fit properly (outside pad won't clear rotor on LHS). I have LH steering knuckle with part # 493887 and was this knuckle used from '65 on if so, I just had to get new '67 hubs and then be back at a full C2 setup. If this is only a '69 on knuckle, maybe I will have to get a full list of parts before I can put the front of the car together.
Just measured the seal, OD is exactly 2.629, so looks like I have 69-82 wheel hubs. My other issue is my Wilwood C2 brake kit won't fit properly (outside pad won't clear rotor on LHS). I have LH steering knuckle with part # 493887 and was this knuckle used from '65 on if so, I just had to get new '67 hubs and then be back at a full C2 setup. If this is only a '69 on knuckle, maybe I will have to get a full list of parts before I can put the front of the car together.
A thought on your Willwood caliper/pad problem. Make sure you have a front rotors on the front. I think rear rotors will fit on the front but they have a different offset. This may cause the problem with pad fitment issue your are experiencing.
The later spindle kits are stronger and run the larger bearings, if it was me I would lean towards running the later set up for the added strength. Maybe a small modification to your wildwood would allow them to work on either spindle?
I am not a fan of running different set ups on the left and right but that is just personal choice. I don't think your front end was bubba'd up I think it was repaired properly using parts still available. We recently saw a case where one of our members had trouble finding a C2 spindle in good shape and new ones were no longer offered so a move to a C3 spindle could be a good move for you.
A thought on your Willwood caliper/pad problem. Make sure you have a front rotors on the front. I think rear rotors will fit on the front but they have a different offset. This may cause the problem with pad fitment issue your are experiencing.
Tom
Unfortunately that's not the case, as I just measured the rotor size and the front are slightly larger so it is easy to tell the fronts from the rears.
Unfortunately that's not the case, as I just measured the rotor size and the front are slightly larger so it is easy to tell the fronts from the rears.
Ok. Just a thought. I have Willwood Calipers on my 65. I am using C3 front spindles and hubs for the larger bearings. No fitment issues.
Ok. Just a thought. I have Willwood Calipers on my 65. I am using C3 front spindles and hubs for the larger bearings. No fitment issues.
Tom
Good to know Tom and I'm leaning going this route as well and will double check my fitment. Did more research on Wilwood and it turned out they use exactly the same part #'s on C2 and C3 brake kits.
06-26-2016, 12:27 PM
wheel bearing question
