Wheel Bearing Installation on Dana 44

[TheWhiteElephant]

Okay, I replaced the rotors, all bearings, and seals on the front end of my 1973 K20. I put in the inner bearing and seal on the hub and am trying to slide the hub/rotor onto the spindle. For the life of me this thing will not slide on.

The part numbers are the same, they're even both Timken bearings. The issue is that the inner bearing race seems to be a little too snug to slide over the spindle, surely because it is new. The sad part is that when I started, it almost went on instantly. I took it off just to make sure things were right, and now I ruined 2 new seals fighting with it.

Any tips or suggestions????

[Stocker]

If it went on before, it will go on again. Maybe the spindle has a bad area? Try rotating the bearing... maybe it has to be in a certain position before going on. Worst case, pop the bearing out so you can figure out how to get it over the spindle -- after ruining 2 seals, what's one more?

[TheWhiteElephant]

Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself--it went on once, it's gotta go on again. I put the bearing on the spindle by itself, and it needs some persuasion, that's for sure. I guess I just have to get that sweet spot. Spindles look good. There does have to be a certain amount of firmness when it goes in obviously because that's where the bearing rides, but man, it's tough. Spent about 3 hours today having a go at it.

I tried the rotor on the other side, too, and it's the same. I purchased a new pair of seals, tried it again, and even ordered another pair of seals from Oreilly's "just in case".

[TheWhiteElephant]

Got it!

I got some 220 emery cloth and polished the surfaces where the inner bearing races sit and voila! One went on instantly, the other took a bit of persuasion, but they both finally went in. This small detail saved me.

Hopefully this will help someone else.

[OrrieG]

It is amazing how one little burr or rough spot will keep something from fitting.