66 Wheel Bearings???

[66Dog&Pony]

I have recently rebuilt the drum brake system on my 66 Pony. The only real delimma came with the last wheel, of course, which turned out to be the left front. After switching out all of the braking mechanism I repacked the bearings. When re-installing the hub I was able to stop the hub from turning just by hand-tightening the bolt on the spindle. Obviously something is binding but the bearings look fine and the right hand side wheel turns freely with the bolt torqued to specs.
Any ideas what may be causing this?

 

[SuperDave]

I have recently rebuilt the drum brake system on my 66 Pony. The only real delimma came with the last wheel, of course, which turned out to be the left front. After switching out all of the braking mechanism I repacked the bearings. When re-installing the hub I was able to stop the hub from turning just by hand-tightening the bolt on the spindle. Obviously something is binding but the bearings look fine and the right hand side wheel turns freely with the bolt torqued to specs.
Any ideas what may be causing this?

Are the bearing races fully seated? If you replaced the races (the parts in which the bearing rollers roll, they may not be)(BTW, you are tightening the spindle NUT not the bolt.) Use a brass punch to fully seat the races if needed.

You are wise to check out the problem as trouble is apparent.

 

[66Dog&Pony]

Thanks Super

Are the bearing races fully seated? If you replaced the races (the parts in which the bearing rollers roll, they may not be)(BTW, you are tightening the spindle NUT not the bolt.) Use a brass punch to fully seat the races if needed.

You are wise to check out the problem as trouble is apparent.

Yes, tightening the bolt would be a problem! As for the race, it appears to be fine, it is firmly seated in the hub and the bearing sits level when placed into the race. One thing I did fail to mention however is that the portion of the spindle that fits inside the seal and next to the inside bearing appears to have grooves cut into it, obvious metal against metal in the past. Is this normal wear? (The portion of the spindle I am speaking of is the quarter inch or so that is 2 or so inches in diameter, not the spindle "arm" if you will)
Thanks!

 

[rbohm]

check for a bent spindle. it could cause the very problem you have.

 

[SuperDave]

Abnormal "grooves" wouldn't be a problem unless they interfere with the running surface of the bearing or race. I'd seek the advice of someone who can actually SEE the situation.

The grooves may have been caused by bearing/race failure in the past.