Front wheel bearings

John-Paul · Post by **John-Paul** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 5:27 pm

Hello all,

I have just returned to Fordson-fettling after a break of many years. In the past I have recieved an enormous amount of help from Brian and others via the Yesterday's Tractors board, and am very pleased to have found this board, with so many familiar names amongst the posters here.

Last week I replaced the brake linings on my '54 Fordson Major (well, it's mostly a '54 Major but that's a long story). Today I went round replacing various grease nipples and generally greasing wherever seemed appropriate.

I did notice that the front wheel bearings are very loose, and I doubt that it's just a case of adjusting them - life is never that simple is it? - and was wondering if anyone here knows the size bearings and seals that I need. It's much simpler to go to the bearing shop with a list rather than take the hubs apart first not knowing how long it will take to find replacement bearings.

If anyone can answer this I'd be very grateful! We are off to Denmark tomorrow for 10 days or so, so it may be a while before I can check for replies, but hope to get back to tractor fixing as that trip is over!

Best regards

J-P

henk · Post by **henk** » Sun Jun 21, 2009 6:51 pm

Hello John Paul,

Welcome back.
I have don the job completely. Bearings sets are still available through the NH dealer ore p.a. Sparex. Changes are that your axles are worn to. They still can be found but there are different lengths so be careful.
Have a nice holiday.

John-Paul · Post by **John-Paul** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:25 am

Thanks Henk!

I've just found bearing sets locally (ersatz ones from the local tractor spares place) at 90e per set.

I'll check Sparex's price too of course, as this seems quite a lot.

I'd still be interested if anyone knows the bearing dimensions, as I have found in the past that it is much cheaper to go to a specialist bearing shop than an automotive or agricultural outlet.

Am off to pack my tent now

J-P

Dandy Dave · Post by **Dandy Dave** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:56 pm

I put all new bearings and seals and rebushed the spindles in the front axle of my Power Major. I aquired the parts from Agriline and thought the prices were reasonable. http://www.agrilineproducts.com/conditions.html

If you rebush the spindles, you will need an expandable reamer to fit them. The bearings come in sets with the seal.

Dandy Dave!

John-Paul · Post by **John-Paul** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:23 pm

Wowee

thanks Dave - those bearing sets are about 1/3rd of the price I'd have to pay here, and I notice that a new lift pump is less than half price too.

Looks like I have some shopping to do when I get back from camping. Now I _really must_ start packing. At least the corkscrew and liver pills are in, but there must be something else I'm going to need....

John-Paul · Post by **John-Paul** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:44 pm

I called in at a specialist bearing shop today, with the old bearings in my hand, and asked about the price of replacements... each individual bearing would have been over 70e and of course that doesn't include the felt seal.

So indeed Agriline will be getting my order!

The king pin bushes / bearings are also worn, but unfortunately the stub axle spindles have been welded to the steering arms at some point. I think for the amount of use the tractor will have I can safely ignore this for the time being though. If I replace everything that's worn on this tractor I'll end up replacing ..everything!

Dandy Dave · Post by **Dandy Dave** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:19 pm

If I replace everything that's worn on this tractor I'll end up replacing ..everything!

Oh, But it is so worth it!

Just think, you could be spending your money on Cigars, booze, and brawds and have nothing to show for it.

Dandy Dave!