[DeTomaso] the first day (NUTS!)Wheel bearings

[Dagny Kristine Bakken]

Curiously, the left spindle is reverse thread so that any unwanted rotation 
would tend to tighten, not loosen the nut.   I can only assume that the nut 
loosened while backing out of the garage, and then was loose for the whole
drive 
down to San Francisco?   Odd that there were no indications for over an hour

of driving though.

Mike




The tapered roller bearing set up in the pantera,is the most common,and a
good set up for the front wheels,on a rear drive car.However they need a
different treatment than many other bearing solutions.As the bearings expand
from heat when driving,its imperativ that the bearings are tightend until no
slack are felt from wiggeling the wheel,and then backed of until a little
amount of slack is felt.This will allow the bearing to expand withought the
bearing going too tight,causing more heat,and finally locking the
bearingraces together,with the small innerrace spinning around on the
shaft,as it only have a small contact area with a slide fit,in opposition to
the outer race that are pressed in the hub.Due to these facts,its important
to have a nut that can be used to adjust the right play,and a proper locking
device that not only hold the nut almost rocksteady,but can withstand the
turning forses applied if a inner race are spinning.As a double
security,some manufacture their spindle with proper threads,so that if it
against all odds slipps,the nut will tighten to lock the wheel up,causing
drag to warn the driver,instead of the option to in worst case,loose the
wheel.Its also good to have the bearings out now and then ,to clean them
from old grease,inspect for wear and repack them with new grease,as this
make them last longer,and prevent bearing collapse.And Mike,if your spindle
are badly damaged,pleace let me know,as i have an extra for you if you need
:)

Best regards
Øyvind Bakken