My wheels are 21" , my question is concerning the outer wheel bearing race. it has a crack in it, I can spin the race with just finger pressure. could the hub be over sized because of a loose bearing for a long period of time and need replaced or would a new race fix this problem ? thanks, Ken
Could just be a cracked race, or the hub has expanded causing the race to crack. I had a similar problem and had a machine shop make a shim so I could use the standard race. Try a new race and bearing. If the race is a tight fit, all is good, if not, you need some machine shop work.
This seal was loose until I cut a shim out of an old can. I don't see why that wouldn't work if a new bearing cup is loose.
Ken here is an ebay listing from model t haven. they are reputable and have always given me good service. This may be a better answer than a shim than a shim if a new race is still loose.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-T-Ford-Front-Hub-/230720908254?pt=Motors_Car_Truck _Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b809abde&v
The race cracks because it has turned in the hub enough to wear it over size. Probably could have it machined and a sleeve machined to fit. I save the ones in this condition but so far have found plenty good ones. KGB
If the race hasn't turned much in the hub so the new race still is almost a slip fit, Loctite cylindrical fastening glue would work. When it's worn more, some shim stock is needed in combination with Loctite (or some other brand)
Glue it when you're ready to mount the wheel - you should mount it and tighten the bearing before the glue has hardened to make sure the race is properly aligned.
Ken,
If the race is loose & also cracked, it's almost guaranteed that the bore in your hub is worn out. I don't like ideas of opening up the pocket and sleeving it back to size. There is really not a lot of wall thickness in that area to safely allow for that. You would do best to look for a better hub, they're out there.
For the wood spoke type wheels, good used hubs are easy to find. Just look for a better one. For the more rare hubs made for the 26-27 wire wheels, a good machine shop can true it up and press in a sleeve. If a sleeve is used, it has to be exactly lined up and turned to be true. It must be in line with the inside bearing so that your bearings won't bind.
Norm
Ken, I sent you a PM.
Mark