Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:16 am
by Sonex1243
Getting ready to assemble my rims and tires and see that the bearing and nut washer sit about an 1/8" high from being flush with the axle bore on the rim. There is room to seat the bearing race further down and allow a nice flush mount when the wheel and axle nut is installed. Has anyone had to do the same?
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 3:04 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi ken,
Yes you need to seat the races in the wheel. why they come like this im not sure. a very common problem. seat with a large socket and mallet or hammer, or in a press. yes it needs to go down about a 1/8 of an inch, but it will bottom out, and still have about a 1/8 in gap at the bottom . this is to allow for a race removal tool. races can be bought from azusa, they are inexpensive.
WaiexN143NM
Michael
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 12:34 am
by jowens
As Michael indicated the races need to be seated with some serious force
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 3:36 am
by lutorm
I heated my wheels a bit with a torch and the races just fell in.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 10:55 am
by DCASonex
Has anyone needed to seat the races in these wheels ?? I think everyone has. However you do it, make sure it is backed up so that you are not putting any forces on the web of the wheels. I used an arbor press, but perhaps the best way is simply a large (1/2") bolt or threaded rod through the wheel with large thick washers and a common 1/2" drive socket, the OD of which just fits inside the bore of the wheel so as to put even pressure all the way around the race. I would avoid using a hammer for this job, and never press on the bearing itself only the race.
David A.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 11:45 am
by Sonex1243
Thanks everyone, I suspected that would have to be the case. Great idea’s, I’ll use a hydraulic press and socket to make the adjustments since I have access to one this weekend.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 12:06 pm
by Gordon
To Ken S…My races were not seated down tight either and I used a very large washer plus a large socket and then tapped them down gently with a mallet. I would be reluctant to use a hydraulic press…you could damage the wheel and/or the race.
Nothing was mentioned by anyone that the bearing I see in the photo (Azusa-8256) should be discarded and changed to the Azusa-8229 bearing. This is the “upgraded” bearing that Sonex sells ($7.75 each…you need 4) and should have been provided in the kit in the first place. This bearing has the rubber seal around it to keep dirt and moisture out of the bearing AND keep the wheel grease in. This is a very worthwhile and cheap upgrade.
Gordon…Hummel 2400…Onex
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 1:23 pm
by Sonex1243
Gordon wrote:Nothing was mentioned by anyone that the bearing I see in the photo (Azusa-8256) should be discarded and changed to the Azusa-8229 bearing. This is the “upgraded” bearing that Sonex sells ($7.75 each…you need 4) and should have been provided in the kit in the first place. This bearing has the rubber seal around it to keep dirt and moisture out of the bearing AND keep the wheel grease in. This is a very worthwhile and cheap upgrade.
Thanks Gordon, didn’t know about the upgraded bearings, my kit minus tail came with these LM11949X Chinese bearings. I was wondering about just a washer sealing the bearing and had planned to address it after re-seating the race by possibly adding a felt piece sandwiched between two washers (like the GA aircraft) if there was enough depth and remaining gap on the backside to remove them if needed.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 1:49 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi all,
Thanks for responding and offer advice. We used a press, it doesnt take much effort to seat it.
Sonex 1243 got the bearings at the time im sure were standard. a few years ago sonex went with the new rubber seal model. the rubber cannot be removed from the bearing its moulded in. and the large flat washer is used on top of the rubber. yes when tapping or pressing have the wheel supported well to distribute the load.
WaiexN143NM
Michael
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 2:03 pm
by Sonex1243
Just to be sure, the upgraded bearing would be the same “drop in” if I was to set the depth with the existing bearing? Ordering the upgraded ones today.
Thanks again everyone.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:02 pm
by Sonex1243
Much better, just need the upgraded bearings for later.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 4:25 am
by SNX1508
Sonex1243 wrote:Just to be sure, the upgraded bearing would be the same “drop in” if I was to set the depth with the existing bearing? Ordering the upgraded ones today.
Thanks again everyone.
Total thickness of wheel/bearings is greater when installing the new bearings with the rubber seals.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 10:13 am
by DCASonex
Minor note, but do not drill your axles for the cotter pin that locks the nut until after you have the new bearings installed. The rubber seal adds to length through bore. My kit had the old bearings, but when I went to install the upgraded ones, the new holes would have been too close to the old ones and weakened the axle. Still using the old ones, new ones in a parts bin somewhere.
David A.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 11:08 am
by Gordon
To Ken S…
Yes, the upgraded bearing Azusa-8229 will drop right in, then a large diameter washer goes up against it (both sides).
I have some good close up pictures of that I can send you if you send me your email a.d.
I don’t know how to post photos on this site. gdbaxter78@gmail.com
Gordon…Hummel 2400…Onex
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 11:47 pm
by Sonex1243
DCASonex wrote:Minor note, but do not drill your axles for the cotter pin that locks the nut until after you have the new bearings installed. The rubber seal adds to length through bore. My kit had the old bearings, but when I went to install the upgraded ones, the new holes would have been too close to the old ones and weakened the axle. Still using the old ones, new ones in a parts bin somewhere.
Thanks for the reminder Dave, I saw verbiage on the web store about the upgraded bearings may require some trimming of the axle spacers due to the increased thickness and didn’t think about the final axle nut cotter hole location.
For Gordon, email sent.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 8:23 am
by pfhoeycfi
Sonex1243 wrote:Getting ready to assemble my rims and tires and see that the bearing and nut washer sit about an 1/8" high from being flush with the axle bore on the rim. There is room to seat the bearing race further down and allow a nice flush mount when the wheel and axle nut is installed. Has anyone had to do the same?
I just sent a similar pic to Sonex and Azusa with my pic having a small ruler in place indicating the dimension above the wheel, another pic showing the gap dimension at the bottom of the race and was told by both that my wheel race depth looks good, meaning do not drive the races deeper. My races are about 3/16 above the hub (gap at bottom), the seal about 1/8 above the wheel. Is anyone not driving the races deeper?
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 11:25 am
by T41pilot
I had the same question last summer and Kerry wasn’t sure at that time if that was a problem. I went ahead and seated mine the rest of the way so the washer was flush. It just seemed like a better idea to me to help keep dirt out of the bearing. My plane isn’t flying yet, so I can’t tell you if there any ill effects yet. The wheels turn fine so I’m assuming OK at this point.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 5:22 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi all,
Yes this is a common occurance with the azusa wheels. you can use a large socket and a press, or gently tap with socket and hammer. Weve posted this a few times on the site, happy to repost for newer members. the races wont go completely to the bottom. they will set about 1/8 from the bottom. this is to allow race removal tool. new races can be purchased from azusa. also with the standard tires, you will want to run the pressure to 50 psi. i know the rims say max pressure 30 psi. but if you dont the tubes can easily slip inside and shear off the valve stems.
good luck!
WaiexN143NM
Michael
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 6:22 pm
by Rynoth
WaiexN143NM wrote:also with the standard tires, you will want to run the pressure to 50 psi. i know the rims say max pressure 30 psi. but if you dont the tubes can easily slip inside and shear off the valve stems.
good luck!WaiexN143NM
Michael
I’ve never heard this before. What force would cause the tubes to slip enough to shear off the valve stems? Or do you mean the entire tire may rotate around the wheel?
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 7:02 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Under braking the tire would rotate around the rim and pull the tube with it.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 7:55 pm
by Rynoth
Bryan Cotton wrote:Under braking the tire would rotate around the rim and pull the tube with it.
This I could imagine, I guess my point/concern was inflating the tubes to 50PSI despite the 30psi max placard on the wheels themselves. I’ve always run them at 30PSI and haven’t had slippage issues (then again I’m using the stock drum brakes which aren’t exactly spectacular when it comes to clamping force.) I suppose I would rather snap off a stem than crack open a wheel.
I’m curious what others think of pumping up the tubes beyond 30psi.
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 8:09 pm
by WaiexN143NM
hi all,
i should add that i have the sonex hyd brakes. from the start. others have had this happen to them and they posted, or ive talked to in person. Dont know if the std cable drum brakes would cause this at 30 psi. maybe someone could post. the higher pressure puts more side load on the tire bead to rim to reduce the chance of slipping, either at initial touchdown or when brakeing
added: just saw you post ryan. i believe the hyd brakes have more grip, and the wheel may be more prone to slip on the tire at 30 psi.
WaiexN143NM
Michael
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 8:20 pm
by pfhoeycfi
Is 30 psi ok with 5 x 5 tires on the Azusa wheels or is that just an issue with the small tires?
Re: Azuza wheel bearing race
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:31 pm
by WaiexN143NM
hi all,
dave amsler posted recently, he has bigger tires installed. he runs 22.5-25
psi has no problems.he posted he is running gp hyd discs. he said hes using the larger 5.00 x 5 tires
i have the std tires that came with the kit, and sonex hyd brakes.
Sound like a good topic for the next ‘zoom’ fly in’ .
in the search box on top type in tire pressure or something similar
be safe out there.
WaiexN143NM
Michael