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Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:27 pm

I've looked at the usual sites and no one seems to carry the part that the inner front wheel bearing seal rides on. I'm looking for the metal part that the seal rides on, the one that is pressed over the spindle. The beam I am rebuilding had a bearing meltdown and it looks like the metal part is damaged.

The Kits I see have the bearings and the rubber seal, but no one seems to carry the metal part, and I don't see it on some of the fiches.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:36 pm

Are you referring to the race? Bearing kits come with it. For example the pic in the link has the race but it is just shown with the bearings and race combined.

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=211405645K

Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:02 pm

Interesting, I had no idea that was a removable part. :?

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:00 pm

Yea, I know what you are refring to. The beefy ring that the seal rotates and seals against. Not sure if it's my bug or the bus or both that have it. Pressed on and it looks like it is part of the spindle but it isn't. Never seen anything like that for sale. You might need to take the spindle to a machine shop and have them make and install a new one.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:11 pm

If you are looking for the innermost race that the bearings sit against, you may be able to find a donor somewhere and knock it off but it may take a press and some special tools to do it. It might be easier to just replace the whole spindle assembly on that side. If it is melted and scored it will have to be replaced but if it is just discolored a little you are probably still Ok for awhile.

Is this the part you refer to that Desertbusman described?

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:36 pm

That seems to be the item that Mad Mac is describing. Don't know how you would get one off without damage unless heat expansion would do it. No problem putting one on. I'm thinking the inboard end of it has a real super large radius to clear a radius on the spindle. So one couldn't take it off and put it on backwards to end up with a good outer end surface. So that leaves getting another spindle or finding a machine shop. Do you have any idea of how tightly those things are fitted? Darn memory but seems like I have had one off.
And then again maybe it is all one piece and not seperate from the actual spindle.

Is that a bus spindle?

Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:24 am

i believe mad.macs is speaking of the part that is shown in the factory service manual, listed as the spacer ring.

here's what an NOS one looks like, and no, it is not for sale.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:36 am

Well it seems VW left a key under the mat so to speak when they added those notches on the back of that. Grind a couple of cheap cold chisels or screwdrivers to fit them and warm up the donor, I bet it'll pop off if you drive the chisels in perpendicular to the spindle.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:37 am

Quote: Is that a bus spindle?
I have no idea, I just found a spindle shot in the Gallery. Hazetguy has the best shots (and parts.)

Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:55 am

WILL someone please explain the importance of horizontal orientation of the notches.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:21 pm

Thanks all for the replies.
Yes I am looking for the part referred to as "Spacer Ring"

In the case of my spindle it is indeed easily removed by applying just a little heat. In fact I was able to pick it up by the spindle immediately after removing the ring.

The original is scored and I don't want to end up doing a seal shortly after completing my project.

I'll probably take one off my old beam, I'm decommissioning it anyway.

Note to Community- Before trashing a spindle or beam save this part!

Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:26 pm

420GOAT wrote: WILL someone please explain the importance of horizontal orientation of the notches.

I'm guessing the importance is for future removal, so you can get 2 screwdrivers under without needing really long shank drivers. (The drivers wind up being nearly parallel to the spindle face.) If they were installed in the vertical orientation you would need 2 really long shank flatblades. How do I know? One of mine was installed nearly vertical.

Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:14 am

I've used "Speedi Sleeves" on scored crankshaft pullies and other seal contact surfaces. They're a bit costy (~$33) but if the part is NLA, it's a lifesaver.
Check the catalog to see if there's one that will fit - It's an interference fit and can be up to 0.004 than the diameter of the part you're putting it on - I think. I got mine from my local machine shop but bearing shops, industrial equipment service/suppliers, and pump or tractor service should have them.
http://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/chicago-rawhide/speedi-sleeve-catalog/11940-66677-_2.html