Hello,

We are working on the rear end for my 14 roadster and installed new axle sleeves. Started to put the bearing on the axle and install it but the new inner bearings (ones without grooves) would not go into the sleeve. Tried the old one and it wouldn't either. The sleeve's dimple is where it should be. What could I be missing? Thanks,

Glenn Edwards
Lebanon, TN

Glen,

I didn't have trouble with my rear outer bearings and sleeves, but they seemed hard to put together if I dodn't hold them exactly right. I found that if I squeezed the end of the bearing (closest to the sleeve) with my hand as I started it in the sleeve it would go in.
There are a few threads where people talked about using old sleeves because of fit problems like your having. I'm sure someone will tell you about their experience.

Glenn

I am having the same problem. No way can I get the new bearing and new sleeve installed as an inner bearing. I finally used an old bearing on one side, and that was not the easiest thing to install. I still cannot get it in the opposite side, so I have walked away from it for a while.

Dave Leipelt, at Piquette, who used to maintain the cars at Greenfield Village said not to use the new bearings. Find some old ones.

I wish you luck.

Glen:

I use a hose clamp on the inside end of the bearing. Then drive it in with a driver that will clear the axle. Once inside they turn freely.

Are the sleeves being made too thick? Would compressing a new sleeve with hose clamps and trying the bearing on the bench be an option? Of course the horse is out of the barn now as they used to say.

Are the sleeves being made too thick and would compressing the sleeve with hose clamps and trying the bearing on the bench be an option? I too have experienced tight but not impossible fits on two outters w/new sleeves and old bergs.

Sorry. double vision.

I just rebuilt an axle. I buy the thicker sleeve and use the old bearings. I have noticed that when you insect the bearing into the sleeve you have to rap your fingers around the bearing to sqeeze tight. I also believe the bearing cage end plates go in a bit snug but they do go in if all else was installed correctly and once in the bearing/axle turn correctly. I did screw up a new sleeve before I figured this out. Hope this helps. Just sqeeze the bearing tight to the axle as you install the bearing into the sleeze.

So why don't they just make the new bearing sleeves closer to the correct thickness? Maybe there is something about the manufacturing process i am not aware of...

Im guessing to compensate for wear in the bearing and the axle shaft bearing surface. They are suppose to be a harder material also.

We are heading for Hershey on Monday and will try the the hose clamp idea when we get back. May find some good used bearings there.

Thanks,

Glenn Edwards
Lebanon, TN