Refreshing front Hubs, need advice

[2mAn]

Hey everyone!

In my efforts to build a "new" car, many components actually are brand new, but some are not and can not be. Case in point, the front knuckles I acquired. Fairly complete, but needing a refresh.



The rotors dont look good, the spinners not great, but the bearing feel great. Plan is to replace the rotors, rechrome the spinners and just regrease the bearings.

Picked up some rotors that are well within spec. Id like to paint the centers with some high-temp black paint


Took it all apart and so far that theory checks out, bearing looked good, rotors are trash.



Id like to refresh the housings, but powdercoat doesnt seem like the right option, but perhaps a high-temp paint. Not sure what the correct path is here and thats where Im hoping you can help.

Let me know if you cant see my pics for some reason

[Donels]

Painted my uprights and bearing housings with black Hammerite Smooth. They don’t get very hot so any similar paint will do.

[2mAn]

Thanks, good to know Im overthinking it

[JonB]

Check the trunnion threads on the uprights! Any play, rust, damage etc, replace. They have a tendency to shear off during full lock low speed maneuvres (eg, when parking) if there are any stress risers at the top of the thread. Extensively discussed in the Triumph forums.

[Billelan]

Although you say your bearings look good I would replace as a matter of course. As previously mentioned, check the trunions for wear.

[2mAn]

Thanks guys, I will check the Trunnions for sure!

Any preferred domestic sources (USA) for bearings? Or should I just check from my list of 'regulars' (Kampena, jaeparts, leechapmanracing, rdent) ?

[Billelan]

I would go for Timken, SKF, NTN etc. Steer clear of unbranded bearings.

[billwill]

Hey everyone!

In my efforts to build a "new" car, many components actually are brand new, but some are not and can not be. Case in point, the front knuckles I acquired. Fairly complete, but needing a refresh.



The rotors dont look good, the spinners not great, but the bearing feel great. Plan is to replace the rotors, rechrome the spinners and just regrease the bearings.

Picked up some rotors that are well within spec. Id like to paint the centers with some high-temp black paint


Took it all apart and so far that theory checks out, bearing looked good, rotors are trash.



Id like to refresh the housings, but powdercoat doesnt seem like the right option, but perhaps a high-temp paint. Not sure what the correct path is here and thats where Im hoping you can help.

Let me know if you cant see my pics for some reason

I can't see your pictures!.
Did you follow the WebMaster's (Jeff's) instructions exactly?

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=27816


I've no idea what you mean by a "knuckle" on our cars, I never heard that word in this context before.

[2mAn]

I can't see your pictures!.
Did you follow the WebMaster's (Jeff's) instructions exactly?

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=27816


I've no idea what you mean by a "knuckle" on our cars, I never heard that word in this context before.

Must be a “Yankee” thing or something. That’s what I’ve always known these to be called, probably not the correct Lotus Term.

As for pics, I normally use a PC and share pics from my online Flickr album. No idea what filter you have that prevents it, but here’s some pics uploaded from my phone

[billwill]

I think the Lotus word is "Hub"

https://lotuselan.net/wiki/CA_-_Front_Suspension

[billwill]

It seems to be best to actually upload photos to this site itself, that way they will 'last' as long as the site.

Photos uploaded elsewhere have a habit of vanishing due to 'Boardroom Decisions',
and some sites seem to prevent other sites from using 'their' pictures.
It's not a filter on my machines, I suspect it is probably an 'output' filter on Flicker.


I see the one you posted from your phone.

[reb53]

I'm guessing that "knuckle" translates to "tie rod end".

I see a previous owner must be well versed in Porsche's racing history to have taken a drill to the rotors.
Porsche found that drilling made the brakes, or "discs" as I call them, much better at clearing water and brake dust.
With little disadvantage when it came to wear.
I remember doing the same to a cafe racer Honda 500 I built up, but only because it looked cool.
There was a formula for how big the holes could be and I have a vague, ( 40 years ago), memory that the diameter of the holes should be no more than twice the thickness of the disc.

Ralph.

[alan.barker]

Come on Ralph,
for me a cafe racer was a Triton, Tribsa, Bsa Gold Star, Bonnie T120 or for the rich boys a Norvin.
Or perhaps for NZ an Indien like Burt Monroe lol
Alan

[bitsobrits]

Powder coating anything you might want to crack check later (like suspension uprights and steering arms) is not recommended as it's difficult to remove. I use spray on engine enamel as it's cheap, durable, and easy enough to blast clean if required, for inspection. Engine enamel, which is typically rated to at least 300F (VHT brand to 550F) is also useful on brake disc centers and edges, and holds up fairly well in that application, but may discolor some from the heat. Still, it looks better than rust.

[2mAn]

Jae Parts is the first to get back with a kit for $35/side which includes inner & outer bearings plus the felt seal ... but they are unbranded bearings from Germany... keep shopping or go for it?