Alfa Pages

robert · Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:23 am Post subject: adjusting rear wheel bearings

Hi,

I need to tighten the rear wheel bearings on a 33 16v. I was expecting a castellated lock-nut and split-pin, but the car only seems to have a nut and no split-pin or any other means of locking. How do I stop the nut turning once it is adjusted?

Thanks, Robert

Matt Stolton · Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:12 am Post subject: Staked nut

If you look on the stub axle, you should see a notch cut into the thread. Using a cold chisel and a size nine convincer (hammer), smack/tap the thin edge of the staked nut into the groove.

By deforming the edge of the nut, it locates in the pit/groove on the stub axle, and helps it to resist coming undone. First of all make 100% certain that you have the correct tension on the bearings, as having a wheel fall off from bearing failure is not funny (Trust me I know from first hand experience)
_________________
Regards

Matt

Ex Alfa 33 'GTA' (P4 with Knobs On)
Now cruising in a 166 3.2 Ti!!

robert · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 4:33 am Post subject:

Matt, thanks for the help. I will have a go with the hammer and cold chisel.

Ben_nz · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 7:30 am Post subject:

I've been noticing some vibration under braking which isn't reliably repeatable. So while changing the oil today I jacked up each corner of the car to have a look...
Both outer CV boots are perished and have split, and one has recently sprayed its grease everywhere. More of a worry is the right rear wheel, which feels like it's not far from falling off the car! Shocked

The wheel bolts are tight, but the part of the drum brake that the wheel bolts to wobbles around.
Perhaps I have the same situation as robert.
I'll consult my Alfasud manual to see whether I stand a chance of fixing these things myself. Last time I changed the oil, a cambelt tensioner failed and eventually wiped out the motor so this oil change I'm getting off lightly! Rolling Eyes

gritsop · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 12:04 am Post subject:

Hi,

Ben, it is easy to replace the rear bearings. Take it out , put new bearing & grease and tighten the new nut till the drum can rotate freely.

About the CV boots be sure to find the original parts and replace them quickly because you 'll have trouble with the CV joint.

I had my CV boots replaced by the authorised garage 4 years ago and the b*****d placed generic type boots who charged them in the price of the original ones. Evil or Very Mad

Note that the original lasted 10 years and there always exists the probability that the garage cut them in order for me to replace them before their time... Crying or Very sad

Result: nowdays the boots have signs of wear and I doubt if they will last for a couple of months yet.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Ben_nz · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 8:28 am Post subject:

I took the brake apart today.
I don't know why there was so much play in the wheel.. it's like the securing nut had loosened one turn and then hammered itself back into its groove.
I couldn't get the inner wheel bearing out of the brake drum because I couldn't remove the seal that holds it in. I'm not even sure that the bearing needs replacing, but it could do with new grease and a new one of those silly nuts to hold the whole lot together.
http://www.axys.co.nz/ben/alfa33/DRUMBRAK.JPG

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:20 am Post subject: re : drumbrakes

hi,

note that you should replace the bolt with a new one every time you take the rear drum apart. otherwise you may experience intempestive unscrewing of the bolt.
besides, for tigntening the bolt properly, i always use the same technique - it works great :
rotate the drum while thightening the nut for the bearings to seat properly. then loosen the nut a little.
under the nut you have a thick washer. try to move the washer sideways using the blade of a screwdriver as a prying tool. the washer then actes as a "feeler gauge" to check the clearance between the bearing and the bolt.
tighten the bolt until the washer gets hard tu push and lock the nut in that position.
if you tighten too much your bearings will heat and wear out very quickly.
if you do not tighten enough you'll experience wheel wobble and bearing damage
once the wheel has been refitted grab it with your hands diametrally opposed and check how much it moves : you should not be feeling any play at all.

regards,
zp