Re: Wheel bearings 1954 Deluxe

Posted by DavidPackard On 2020/5/23 13:15:25

JW, One of the failure modes, that is a 'one per rev' fatigue failure at the fillet radius between the taper and thread, is believed to be a result of taper/hub relative motion. Insufficient torque may start that whole process. I know for a fact that after I replaced my '48 broken axle I went back 100-200 miles later and found the torque was well below the minimum required. Trust me, I know it was 'in spec' at 0 miles.

I sent my broken parts to some materials engineers that reported back the mode of failure. I also have some good close-up photos showing the multiple origin planes.

In addition, tribal wisdom for the folks that care for other antique cars that have the same tapered design swear by the 're-check the torque' process.

If you see a 45 degree fracture inboard of the bearing that would not be a result of low nut torque.

dp