Going the extra mile includes not misusing basic tools. Pictured left to right is a race puller, thrust pieces and the oil seal removal tool, all of which are useful for removing Generation 0, or tapered roller wheel bearings.
Round and round we go... Long replacement bearing life is not only down to decent parts but also correct installation. Rob Marshall contacts leading manufacturers for their top advice about how you can go the extra mile Despite performing the same primary task since the motor car's birth, bearings have evolved considerably in both design and detail. While technicians need to keep up with fitting techniques, even long-established methods can be bettered to make the task easier and reduce damage and injury risks.
BEARINGS
While this feature covers several different bearing applications, front tapered roller type wheel bearings are our focus. While you might presume that this bearing design has been around for aeons on rear-wheel-drive applications (and you would be correct), going the extra mile, in this case, means not using screwdrivers as levers, or makeshift chisels, and a hammersocket combination as a makeshift press.
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While you might get away with using generic tools on taper wheel bearings, dedicated installation tools are crucial to correct fitting of other wheel bearing generations. While we shall look at these types in a later issue, we are grateful to FAG, Schaeffler’s OEM chassis brand, for its advice on installing front tapered roller type wheel bearings to a BMW 6-series, using the latest tools with no improvisation necessary.
Bearing quality
The consequences of a failed bearing are considerable. While a collapsed bearing could destroy an engine within minutes, the consequences of a road wheel becoming detached are even more severe. All of the companies that assisted with technical advice for this feature emphasise their products' OE quality. Regular readers will know that this standard is nothing new in relation to parts generally, but AT thinks it worthwhile to emphasise the point for bearings especially, because there are many bearing manufacturers globally, not all of whom uphold the same standards. Therefore, ensure that you buy bearings from respected and wellknown companies with an OE-quality heritage. Correct installation is another issue, which is emphasised especially in our wheel bearing example. Even the finest quality bearing will not last if fitted incorrectly. Occasionally, VMs get it wrong. Pictured is the damage caused to an end casing of a GM M32 gearbox (fitted to a variety of Vauxhalls, Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Chryslers), caused by a collapsed taper bearing. The problem is not caused by bearing quality (as far as AT is aware) but insufficient preload. So, when the gearbox is assembled, the pinion shafts are too tight and this situation over stresses the bearings.
