Thread: Twice my age, crosseyed and can't hold her fluids in but ain't she sweet

Dirty Mary had need of a hub replaced-all of the wheel studs had been welded in, and one had come out. The hole it came out of was severely flogged out.
Land Vehicle Spares came to the rescue with a replacement hub. Trouble is, the bearing cones were shot.
I don't have a press so fitting new cones was not going to be an easy job.
But in the end it was!
Since I am a dummy, here's my dummy's guide to cone replacement:

To get the old cones out, use a heavy drift and a hammer. Work your way around. A bit of penetrating spray might help if there is any corrosion present.

Now, put your new cones at the bottom and back of the freezer in a sealed freezer bag.
A few days later, after really cleaning up the hub so its smooth and spotless, put your new hub on, and light, your gas barbecue.

Leave it for 20 minutes, you want it hot through. Wear thick leather gloves, welding gloves are good, when handling.
Whilst its warming up, grab your brass or other fairly-soft metal rod aka your drift, and a hammer.

When the hub is hot, bring your cones out, keeping them on ice in their bags.
Carefully, with your gloves on, bring your hub from the BBQ to your heat-proof work surface, such as the path next to your bbq
Get the first bearing cone out of its bag, making sure the cone is the RIGHT WAY AROUND! You won't get a second chance at this.
It should slip in easily, but use your drift and gloved fingers to ensure it is home against the rear flange.
Once the cone has warmed and expanded to be secure in the hub, gently flip the hub over and do the same for the other cone.

Stand back and enjoy a beer or three while the hub cools!


On another note, anyone called the new virgin insurance mob to see if they cater for classic vehicles or are actually aware there are young people who aren't bad drivers?

Cheers,
Mark

Nice one! when are you planning on dropping it in?