Hi all...
How does the outer wheel bearing cage get distorted out of round?
What kind of problem would that cause?
Thanks,
Mike

My educated guesses:

- Overtightening the bearing preload
- One or more ball bearings disintegrates causing cage to distort
- Distorted race
- Wheel collision with immovable object
- Below standard bearing materials
- Overheating of bearing assembly
- Excessive play

Possible results:
- Bearing noise
- Abnormal tire wear
- Abnormal steering
- Wheel seizure (lockup)
- Spindle wear
- death

Sherwood

An excellent list!!

Bigger question now is where was it MADE? Is it a known company? It seems that the new bearings come in DIFFERENT grades. The old German ones came in one grade. Excellent!

It's an SKF bearing that says Mexico on it.
Mike

SKF Mexico is a good bearing. Go with the list.

Yup, that's what I ordered. Anyone else have any ideas?
Mike

Front or back? and how do the races look color wise,any pitting, fretting, or brinelling


Pictures?

Front. The outer race looks good. Can't see the inner because I'm leaving it together until my parts arrive.

Usually the outer bearing cage gets distorted by someone using a screwdriver to move the bearing thrust washer to see if the preload is correct. They stick the screwdriver in too far and bend the cage trying to move the washer side to side.

Jim

Well that just makes perfect sense doesn't it Jim.
Means I probably did it myself.
Thanks.

The primary purpose of the cage is to hold the rollers in place when the bearing is out. If it is not badly bent you can straighten it. Just make sure it won't be rubbing either the inner or outer race.

Jim

Poor advice Mr Jim! the cage is for equal loading of the bearings and the races! nothing else, just install all new and then theres no worrys....the cheapest price is not always the best value! JMO

good luck