Hello brainstrust,
We are replacing the front wheel bearings on 1961 Morris 850 and the set we have been sold by minisport have a reduced gap that doesn't allow fitment of the original spacer. We are prepared to machine a 3mm spacer to place in between but we are wondering if there is meant to be a gap there at all and if the bearings are meant to have come with matching pairs with different widths so they touch and don't need a spacer anymore. I anyone has had this problem before please advise us on how you solved it or if we have been sold the wrong bits! Thanks all. The kit is for drum brakes.

The new drum type bearings have the spacer built in - you shouldn’t need the old spacer

_________________

It does look like they have the spacer built in however there's a 7.2mm gap between the inner faces of the bearings. Not 3mm as I said before I stuffed that bit of info up! Is it designed so that it works ok with that sort of gap in between? Thanks for your response.

NO! it can't be run with a gap there, they have to be torqued up (60 lb ft) touching each other to transmit torque through the assembly from the driveshaft.
I would fit Timken tapered rollers instead, they fit with the proper spacer supplied. Yes they work with drum hubs.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I'm in the process of fitting new bearings to my 1963 which would be the same I think.

I've bought the Timken kit and it already has the spacer in it.

A couple of things that maybe worth noting are that my drive flanges were well worn at the inner bearing end, most likely from spinning inside the old bearings (ball bearing type) so I've decided to buy new ones. Also, the drive flange oil seals on the outer end were showing signs of wear so I figured I'd put new ones in as well. Interestingly, one side had a very thin shim between the drive flange and the flange oil seal on the outer bearing end. Maybe to compensate for wear at some stage?? I figure seeing as though I'm putting new bearings in, I'd go the whole hog and replace the original old bits at the same time. Shouldn't need to much around with them again for a long time.

In the Timken kit, they also supply the plastic seal bit for the inner seal where it comes up against the CV joint as well as the circlip type spacer that goes between the inner bearing and the seal. The inner and outer seals are different and the inner one has a lip on it where the plastic bit sits.

Waiting on new flanges so haven't re-assemble yet but hopefully will all go back together ok.

Rocky