wheel bearings

[moesterman]

While in Sturgis this week I lost a front wheel bearing. I pulled the front wheel on the brake side and found the bearing was gone and the outer race was welded in the hub. BTW; "06" K-9 w\14k miles. Because I had limited resources with me I left the wheel with a "traveling mechanic" to remove the race and other bearing. I then went to Rapids City for new bearings where all I could find is cheap crap--another story. I decided to have this "mechanic" install these bearings for now and I would replace with a better bearing this winter--big mistake! I picked up the wheel where he advised he could not install the bearing because I had the hubs chromed so he opened it up with a die grinder and used locktite to secure the bearing in the hub. Needless to say I crapped my pants. I have no idea how bad he destroyed the hubs so I called BDMPP and found a right replacement hub but they do and will not have a replacement for the left. Bob at BDNPP was going to check with a person who purchased their surplus wheel stock and let me know Monday for sure. With that said, if I can not find a left (brake side front wheel hub) has/is anyone aware of a resource for one or an option to hone out the hub and replace with a slightly larger diameter bearing to clean up the mess from the die grinding?

 

[HMAN]

You should be able to take it to a local machine shop and have them bore it out. With a Bridgeport or lathe it should be an easy fix. Good luck.

 

[wyatt580]

damn.....

 

[BigDogBro1]

Have a liner machined to fit the beating od and bore out the hub to press fit the liner.
Freeze the bearing with dry ice and drop it into the liner.

You could use dry ice on the liner as well. Old corvette rear spindle proceedure.

We install new bearings at almost every tire change.

Good luck, and keep us informed.

 

[08mastiff]

I am wondeing if this "cheap crap" bearing was the right size. This mechanic sounds like a boob to take a die grinder to a chrome hub.