Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have the axles off and ready to install new bearings. Anyone got
any tips?, the inside one seems very tight on the shaft.
Thanks
James

James
Ensure you use the right sequence to reassemble the bearings so no
load put on the bearing races as you press the bearings into place.
Use good quality brand name bearings ( eg SKF) Its to much work to
risk saving a little money on cheap bearings

1. Press the new inner bearing onto the shaft using a long tube onto
the inner race. Fit the dust shield first onto the shaft and ensure
the circlip is properly seated in its groove locating the bearing.

2. Press the shaft and inner bearing into the housing, warming the
housing makes it slip in easily, only press it in using the outer
race of the inner bearing. nsure the inner housing circlip seats
properly in its groove

3. Support the inner end of the shaft and then press the outer
bearing into the housing and onto the shaft using a tube onto the
inner race. Warm the housing with a hair dryer to ensure the outer
race slips easily into the housing. Ensure the outer circlip fits
properly into its groove in the housing.

regards
Rohan

Don't forget to put the bearings in the freezer over night. Makes the job
very easy. Heat the housing.I put mine in the over at 300.

They all should just pop in.

Tony

Tony

I would not chill the bearing when fitting to the shaft, chilling
makes them a tighter fit on the shaft and you risk cracking the inner
race if you force it on. The shrinkage of the steel of the bearing
when chilled is small compared to the expansion of the alloy hub when
heated so also no real need to chill when fitting the bearing into a
warm hub.

regards
Rohan

When I last fitted some of these bearings into the housing I calculated only
needing about a 60'Celsius difference. They pushed in nicely with just very
light pressure,

Clive