Front Wheel Bearing Dust Covers - Help!!

[Randal Tarn]

I have an 8-month-old, self built, VX Classic (1.8), that has now done 2,000 miles.

 

The front offside wheel has developed about 1 – 2 mm of lateral play in its bearing, which I presume can not be good.

 

Although this element of the kit came pre-assembled, the build manual gives details of how to put the trunion / stubaxle / disc and calliper assembly together should the need arise. Having read through this section of the guide again, I reckon tightening the castled nut a little should be enough to either solve the problem, or to show that the wheel bearing itself is on its way to a premature demise.

 

Problem! : Does any one out there know how to remove the dust cover from the centre of the wheel hub?

 

The build manual (issued April 1999 – therefore the 1995 edition) talks about clipping the dust cover into place during assembly, however the cover itself is entirely featureless apart from a 3mm hole at its apex.

 

My hope was to remove the cover, un-pin the nut, tighten, re-pin and recover. Oh that these things were so simple!

 

Many thanks to any help any one can offer.

 

Randal

V92 FPF

 

[StewartG]

It,s simple once you know how. What you do is................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Oh all right I,ll tell you. Screw a suitable self tapper into the hole and this will pull the cover off.(sorry I couldn't resist teasing you)

[Randal Tarn]

Stewart,

 

No need to feel sorry about it.

If it gets the dust cover off, as I'm sure it will, I'm delighted.

 

Simple folk are easily pleased - Aren't they?

 

Randal

V92 FPF

[Graham Sewell]

Another method (from what I gather is more reliable) is to use a junior hacksaw to cut 4 SHALLOW slots at 90' intervals right up against the hib, and then use a srewdriver to lever the caps off.

[Simos]

 

An alternative without cutting holes in your bearing cover is to use a pair of large molegrips. With a bit of careful tightening you can get enough grip to wiggle it off easily.

 

To get it back on you'll need a soft-faced hammer and a bit of care as it tends to go back on crooked and deform if you're not careful.

 

Cheers, Simon.

[Aidan Parte]

I get mine off by tapping the cover at angle of about 40 degrees with a sharp screwdriver, rotating the hub, and repeating until it eases out. The self-tapping screw idea sounds good, though.

[Randal Tarn]

Thanks for all the input.

 

I tried all the options, but to no avail. I ultimatedly resorted to the destructive "dustcap de-installation" procedure (Hacksaw/molegrips/ brute force and considerable ignorance), and solved my bearing problem. The new dust cap should arrive in the post any time now.

Im not sure why my caps were so tight, still...sorted now.

 

Thanks again.

Randal

V92 FPF

[Dave H]

The little blighters are usually tight. The best way to get them off if the self tapper doesn't work is to use a large srewdriver or similar impement and place the end of the blade as near to the wheel as possible, then hit it with a hammer (not too hard or you'll damage the cover). Rotate the wheel about 10-15 degrees and repeat. Continue to do this until the cover comes loose or you get p***ed off with it and give it a hefty smack and something breaks...smile.gif