Rear wheel bearings

[c42]

I have checked in the archive to confirm the rear wheel bearing numbers on my '72 +2, the outer bearings are CSK 6206RSR but I have one inner RHP 37-130PP and the other RHP 1LG30 which has an O ring seal on the outer race. Which inner should I be looking for or does it not matter?

Regards
John

[Galwaylotus]

I've seen sealed bearings before but never with an o-ring! Is that standard and how is it retained?

[sparkey]

I don't think it matters. I just replaced mine - the one I took out had no o-ring whereas the new one (as supplied by Paul Matty so I'm assuming it's right) had an o-ring. I can really see what purpose the o-ring serves, but it's in now and seems to be working fine !

Steve.

[alexblack13]

I don't think the O ring is standard. The seal is the spring ring type as normal. I think it is an attempt to stop water / dirt ingress into the bearing area. Kinda primary seal if you like. Does the O ring contact the face of the hub? or just pressed against the steel shield? Normally you need to trim off the little excess rubber from the standard bearing rubber seal to allow the shield to seat properly and the circlip to fit correctly.

Happy days!

Alex B....

[c42]

Thanks for the info everyone, the O ring seems to be standard and just presses into the housing and I can only assume that it is to stop water ingress into the carrier and when I order the bearings I need not specify this type. On the subject of the steel shield, one of shafts had what I can only describe as an aluminium thrower ring/washer between the outside face of the bearing and driveshaft as in the photograph; I take it both sides should have this washer.

Thanks again
John

[alexblack13]

That does look to be a non std set up, and certainly the 1st time I've seen the bearing +O ring. It looks an attempt to stop water etc getting to the bearing..Fair idea as that can be the number 1 reason for failure. Bad fitting comes next.

From memory.... The shields are only at the hub side. I could be wrong here though...

Don't you have a manual?

Alex..

[john.p.clegg]

These bearings are some that Colin "borrowed" from the Vauxhall viva and avenger,some have the outer O ring,some don't,it doesn't matter but a good idea if you're handy with a pair of scissors as per "Blue Peter" is to make up the shield from some thin plastic (washing-up bottle?),lighter and longer lasting...

John

[c42]

Hi Alex

Yes I do have a manual but it does not show this clearly at all, in fact it does not show quite a few things which is why I value access to the mine of information on this forum.
Thanks to every one.

Regards
John

[mikealdren]

The bearings usually fail because they dry up and being 'sealed for life' that finishes them off.

There was an article in the Club Lotus mag, years ago, where someone had drilled the aluminium housing and fitted a rigid tube through to the inside of the bearing with a grease nipple on the outside. He had removed the inner bearing seal and could lubricate the bearing during regular servicing. I wonder whether it worked?

Mike

[alexblack13]

What about Brian Buckland's excellent addendum to the workshop manual? Do you have one? That, I am sure should cover it..

AB.....

[c42]

Hi Alex, I am afraid I do not have the Brian Buckland addendum, what is the exact title and I will try and get hold of one.

Thanks
John

[alexblack13]

Hi Alex, I am afraid I do not have the Brian Buckland addendum, what is the exact title and I will try and get hold of one.

Thanks
John

Try here... http://shop.clublotus.co.uk/products/11-Books/

AB...

[c42]

Thanks for the link.

Regards
John

[bob_rich]

Hi

My copy o f the Lotus Elan+2 Workshop manual under section G page 12 under additional information says " Before replacing bearings , it is necessary to trim flush the surplus rubber seal which stands proud of the outer race on the inner bearing (nearest to the drive flange coupling) so that the spacer and retaining circlip may be fitted correctly"

from what i recall both type of bearing with or without the outer o-ring can be found so U pays money and takes choice

hope this helps

Bob

[alexblack13]

Normally you need to trim off the little excess rubber from the standard bearing rubber seal to allow the shield to seat properly and the circlip to fit correctly.

Happy days!

Alex B....

Snap?

AB...