Another bearing question...

[Fred Munro]

Hi Gerard;

There is only one correct way to install these bearings.

You support the strut and press the bearing completely into the strut using
an adapter which contacts the OUTER race only.

You then support the hub and press the bearing and strut down on the hub
using an adapter which contacts the INNER race only. This step can also be
done by supporting the INNER race and pressing the hub into the bearing.

Your shop had ruined your bearings. You'll be lucky to get 20k out of them.

Sorry!

Fred Munro
'94 S4  115k km

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerard" <gerard at poboxes.com>
To: "audi list" <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Another bearing question...


> 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.
>