Another bearing question...

[Gerard]

I'm back from the shop who did the bearings. This is how it's going to
go. The bearing was pushed in with a vice, but eventually we had to go
to a place with a small hydraulic press. The bearing popped back and is
now flush with the rear of the housing. I bitched alot about what you
guys said about the proper install procedure, but got nowhere. I said
when the struts go on the car and I have a stuffed up bearings I'm
coming back to get new ones. The answer to this was that that'd be fine,
but that I would not have the problem.

I asked about the install procedure. It seems to clash with what I've
been told is the correct procedure. First the bearing is pushed in half
way, then the hub is installed on the inner race and the hub and bearing
are forced in together. Much mechanic speak was given out about them
having done it this way forever on press and vice with no side effects.
This we'll see when I'm mobile.

On the "good" side, I contacted SKF again. This time there are 6 VKBA962
units in the country. :) Two in Pretoria, 2 in Port Elizabeth and 4 in
Roodepoort. When I ordered mine there were no kits like this available
in the country. I'm wondering if I should buy 2 right now prep'ing for
the future? :) They're $33 a piece.

I did notice that this bearing is a double ball-bearing unit. This
installer told me you can't damage the bearing pushing it in like he did
because of the step between the 2 rows of ball bearings.

I don't know...I'm giving it a go after the car is running. If not, I'm
going back for new ones...

G.