How do I tighten the axle bearings on my '49 unstyled AR to the right preload? The axle is installed with the outer roller bearing on, you install the inner roller bearing, put on the bull gear, and tighten the castle nut. This pulls the 2 roller bearings together into the cups. Simple enough. But, how tight do you actually tighten the castle nut to get the correct preload?
So...this started out replacing the beat up fenders with some Detwiler reproductions. Great looking fenders and the Detwiler people were very helpful. They come without any mounting holes so you have to drill everything. Took the old ones off, clamped the new ones on, marked everything and drilled. Really not a bad job. I had to take the platform off to do a bit of straightening/welding. When I took the wheels off you could see on the insides that the rear seals were leaking, so I figured I'd be an idiot if I didn't replace them while I had everything off that needed to be removed anyway.
Now I've got the rear cover off and both axles out. The outside bearings are REALLY sloppy. The inside 2 aren't bad but as long as I've got them out I'll replace them too. The seals do look like they need replaced and I'll do that today. I would assume that all the bearings are the same, but I'll take off the outer ones from the axles today too (hopefully) and get those ordered.
I stripped the hood last week. It was a repro from Detwilers also, that the previous owner had put on. Took the hood and the 2 fenders into the local body shop yesterday to have all three painted together so the tin all matches color. Owner said he was sandblasting a tractor today, so thought he'd be able to prime it and my tin tomorrow already. Might not have to wait as long as I thought to get them back. Since I'm no mechanic, things seem to be going better than I'd hoped! Thank you. Greg
So...this started out replacing the beat up fenders with some Detwiler reproductions. Great looking fenders and the Detwiler people were very helpful. They come without any mounting holes so you have to drill everything. Took the old ones off, clamped the new ones on, marked everything and drilled. Really not a bad job. I had to take the platform off to do a bit of straightening/welding. When I took the wheels off you could see on the insides that the rear seals were leaking, so I figured I'd be an idiot if I didn't replace them while I had everything off that needed to be removed anyway.
Now I've got the rear cover off and both axles out. The outside bearings are REALLY sloppy. The inside 2 aren't bad but as long as I've got them out I'll replace them too. The seals do look like they need replaced and I'll do that today. I would assume that all the bearings are the same, but I'll take off the outer ones from the axles today too (hopefully) and get those ordered.
I stripped the hood last week. It was a repro from Detwilers also, that the previous owner had put on. Took the hood and the 2 fenders into the local body shop yesterday to have all three painted together so the tin all matches color. Owner said he was sandblasting a tractor today, so thought he'd be able to prime it and my tin tomorrow already. Might not have to wait as long as I thought to get them back. Since I'm no mechanic, things seem to be going better than I'd hoped! Thank you. Greg
