Trouble getting races fully seated, just short of stops - any tips?

[lakelover]

Installing all new races, bearings, seals... I have the right parts. The problem is that I'm having trouble getting the races fully seated. They'll go most of the way in but don't want to go that last little bit. Right now I'm about less than 1/8" from getting them in the right place. I'm just short of getting the castle nut on far enough to insert the cotter pin. On my other hubs, the stop is a machined-in ring that goes fully around. On these, it is 6 little "bumps" that stick up around the inside. I've spent the afternoon pounding on them but can't seem to get that last little bit.

I'm wondering if there are any tricks like sticking it in the freezer overnight or using a torch, or something! Too late to just stick the races in the freezer and I ain't taking them out and starting over!!

 

[MH Hawker]

a flat file is your freind

 

[dennis461]

From your post, it sounds like you cannot get the OUTER race to seat fully in the HUB, correct?
For this job, I saved an old OUTER race, and with a cutoff wheel, cut a slot in in. So instead of a circle O is is now a C.
I put the new race in the hub, then put the C on top of it.
Now I get hit it really hard on an anvil.
The old race with the slot in it allows a more uniform pressure when beating with a hammer (or press if you have one).
I suspect you need to hit them harder and straighter to get them in the last 1/8 inch or so.

 

[GA_Boater]

I always use the old race, unmodified, to seat the new race. Flat down against the new race. It works for me and the old race doesn't get stuck, just lift it off the the hub.

Use same method for both inner and outer races.

 

[Silverbullet555]

Never had a problem. I used to use a brass punch. Now I use a race driving set. Are you sure there isn't something keeping it from going the rest of the way?

 

[lakelover]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm beginning to wonder if there might be a little surface rust deep in the hub that's preventing them from moving. I think both of them really should go a hair further in, they don't seem to be against the nubs. I'll get back at it tomorrow and try to gain that last little bit.

 

[oldjeep]

I must be the only one that uses a race/ seal driver set for this? If you don't feel like buying one then just borrow one from Oreilly or whatever your local parts place is.

 

[bigdee]

If it won't go on with equal taps around the circumference of the race I would clean up the surface with crocus cloth. I use flat end of a steel ball peen hammer to seat races....the race is harder than the hammer so you can't damage the race Steel hammer has more impact than brass. Brass can also flake off causing more problems. If you have to pound on it with extreme force something is wrong, races are hard but brittle,wear eye protection just in case.

 

[Silverbullet555]

I must be the only one that uses a race/ seal driver set for this? If you don't feel like buying one then just borrow one from Oreilly or whatever your local parts place is.

I do to. Makes it easy.

 

[dingbat]

Best $24 I ever spent....

 

[lakelover]

Best $24 I ever spent....

Picking one up tomorrow.

 

[lakelover]

I got a set of those ^^ this morning. Yup, best $20 I ever spent. After a little tapping, not pounding, everything went into place...a few minutes instead of half the afternoon.

Sometimes ignorance isn't bliss! Thanks for the help, you guys are the greatest, as always!

 

[floater212]

if you can still get it off: #1 clean bore #2 put race into freezer overnight the race and it should fall right in and bottom out!

 

[lakelover]

Next time I'll definitely do that.

 

[GA_Boater]

Could the race have been cocked a little? Almost impossible to seat if it isn't square in bore.

 

[lakelover]

That's all I can figure, it practically slipped into place with the driver. I was trained many years ago in plumbing and heating and our instructor always used to say "The right tool for the job". I should have listened more on those days.

 

[GA_Boater]

Like my Dad always said - "Someday you'll know I was right" LOL

Glad the job is behind you, LL.

 

[bigdee]

Could the race have been cocked a little? Almost impossible to seat if it isn't square in bore.

Yup. I just use light taps around the circumference.....never needed a tool.