TheSamba.com :: View topic - Wheel bearing covers don't fit after a brake upgrade

Sun Mar 09, 2025 6:54 am

I recently upgraded the front brakes on my 74 with an EMPI wide 5 disc brake kit. Everything went together just fine until I got to putting the wheel bearing covers on and I can not for the life of me get them to go one. The rim of the brake just seems slightly too big.

Would it be safe to sand the inside of the cover a bit until it fits tightly or any other ideas?

Thanks

Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:11 am

I have had this problem, in my case I was trying to put new covers on new discs. They wouldn't fit so I used the old ones. Years later I bought different new ones and they fit. I wouldn't hesitate to alter the covers however you see fit, I would be more reluctant to alter the discs themselves. If you just can't get it you may need to look for different covers. I've had some luck using a piece of steel plumbing pipe that just fits around the bearing cover and a bigger hammer. Get a cap for one end of the pipe to make a good hammering surface.

Edit: Common sense tells me hitting it hard might not be good for the bearings but I haven't come to grief yet doing it. It's never too late though. :wink:

Tue May 20, 2025 3:57 pm

[quote=Edit: Common sense tells me hitting it hard might not be good for the bearings but I haven't come to grief yet doing it. It's never too late though. :wink:[/quote]

I like the way you worded that KA, hope to see you guys in Athens.

Tue May 20, 2025 6:14 pm

mondshine wrote: [quote=I like the way you worded that KA, hope to see you guys in Athens.

We have a campground reserved nearby for the travellin' rig. I haven't planned the rest of the trip yet but last minute panic motivation should take care of that. See you there!

Wed May 21, 2025 12:21 pm

draksia wrote: I recently upgraded the front brakes on my 74 with an EMPI wide 5 disc brake kit. Everything went together just fine until I got to putting the wheel bearing covers on and I can not for the life of me get them to go one. The rim of the brake just seems slightly too big.

Would it be safe to sand the inside of the cover a bit until it fits tightly or any other ideas?

Thanks

I had the same issue. not on EMPI, but probably the same cip1 front disk.

I made a pounding tool(scrap pipe I had that caught the edge of the cap)... and I heated the heck out of the bearing cap and pounded them on....

not sure what i will do if I have to remove/install them somewhere other then my shop.