Azuza wheel bearing race

[Sonex1243]

Much better, just need the upgraded bearings for later.

[SNX1508]

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.

[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.

[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

[Sonex1243]

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.

[pfhoeycfi]

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?

[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.

[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

[Rynoth]

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?

[Bryan Cotton]

Under braking the tire would rotate around the rim and pull the tube with it.