Swollen Bearing race

[MudRunnerTD]

So gents i have the GUIV on the hoist to make the fittings and fit up the sliders and noticed the front wheel bearings where loose. Very loose! I was surprised.

So off with the left hub to give them a nip up and I could not get Any adjustment. Any. Hmmmm?? That's odd. Damn that sux!

Off with the wheel, off with the bearing nut, off with the brake calliper. I could not remove the disk and bearing carrier. The outer bearing should just fall out, the inner bearing comes off with the disk.

No chance. Out with the mallet. A lot of big hits and no joy.

I ended up using a 3 arm gear puller to remove the disk assembly.

The race ans bearings appear to be contaminated and I will replace wheel bearing on both sides. I have pulled the spindle off ans inspected the CV and King pin bearing and noth are fine ans clean.

Here is the question... WTAF!!

The left side outer race has a smaller inside diameter. It seems to have shrunk? 8 have put the vernier on both spindles ans they measure the same. The inside D of the right side race is fine. The inside D of the left side race is over 1mm smaller..... WHY?

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/46.jpg

Right side outer Race

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/47.jpg

Left side outer race

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/48.jpg

Both Spindles

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/49.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/50.jpg

I assume is has something to do with heat? But makes no real sense. Heat would expand. Maybe a river crossing would cold shock and contract but this makes no sense. I basically had to press the race off.

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[mudnut]

Are they the original Japanese bearings? Years back, I was stung with "Japanese" bearings that only lasted a 1000 ks before they were shot.

[MudRunnerTD]

No these have only been in the car for maybe 5 years. 4 years probably.

Koyo Bearing. I fitted them.

[mudnut]

They look discoloured so heat will be the culprit. Koyo have manufacturers around the world, including China, so...

[MudRunnerTD]

Yeah the carrier looks average but the bearings appear ok. The grease was contaminated ans the car has basically been sitting for a year with only 1 ta k of fuel through it. I figured contaminated grease may have caused the discolorations rather than heat but either is not great

[mudnut]

I use Inox MX8 now after water ingress quickly stuffed the old type. I have found it to be excellent. It was hardly discoloured after 10, 000 ks. But you have to carry some as it is not as widely available.

[nissannewby]

I would say heat. It looks as though the inside of the smaller bearing has been spinning on the shaft. It may have gotten super hot as the inner race was creating friction on the stub and then it has cooled rapidly. Ever so slightly shrinking it onto the shaft.

[nissannewby]

What is the part number of the bearing?

[MudRunnerTD]

Hmmm. So I gave the spindle a little rub with scotchbrite and cleaned it. I couldn't see any real issue but taking a pic certainly shows it has spun up. I'm blind as a bat in poor light!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/51.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/52.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2021/04/53.jpg

What would cause it to spin up like that mate? Is that spindle knackered? They are pretty exy.

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[MudRunnerTD]

Interestingly, this is the first front end rebuild I have done and NOT used Nolan's Xtreme Performance Grease (Red) for all parts. Wheel Bearings, CVs, King Pin Bearings,and every seal.

When I did the GU I used LMM grease for seals and CV and Nolan's for the wheel bearings as I had my bearing packer full.of it.

I can't tell is the contaminated grease is just LMM and the Nulon's Red or external contamination but the corrosion suggests the later.

[nissannewby]

So the specs say the bearing ID should be 41.275 so that one is under by quite a bit really.

Yeah it could have been worn or possibly adjustment has caused it. It could have also been the contamination that has allowed a roller or 2 to grab the inner race and spin it around. I think this has been from outside contamination maybe through the locking hub. It would be very hard for the LMM grease to get into the wheel bearing area.

The spindle isn't great and would be best if it was replaced in my opinion.

[nissannewby]

Should only really use the LMM in the CV. Use your other red grease for everything else.

[MudRunnerTD]

So the specs say the bearing ID should be 41.275 so that one is under by quite a bit really.

Yeah it could have been worn or possibly adjustment has caused it. It could have also been the contamination that has allowed a roller or 2 to grab the inner race and spin it around. I think this has been from outside contamination maybe through the locking hub. It would be very hard for the LMM grease to get into the wheel bearing area.

The spindle isn't great and would be best if it was replaced in my opinion.

Thanks mate that makes sense as I stand here ans look at the spindle I agree there is completely separation between the CV and the wheel bearings. If the spindle appears to be the right diameter coyld I not just clean it up and on? The thread is in perfect condition and that section should allow a bearing to sit there as designed. Do you think it is weakened? They are Drug money to buy is all.

[nissannewby]

Yeah you could attempt to clean it up with some wet n dry. I would be measuring with a mic if possible. Then just pay close attention to sealing it all up when re assembling to hopefully prevent anymore ingress. Even silicon or thread sealant on bolts.