Hispec Rear Conversion Problems

[BigErch]

I've had no problems with my rear brake conversion since fitting but unfortunately my MOT mechanic pointed out that there is play on both rear bearings. I was surprised as the car has only done 3000 miles since the new bearings were fitted with the conversion. Has anyone else had this problem?
Where can I get replacement bearings?
Also, one of the rear calipers are leaking. I've probably ripped the seals by pulling on the handbrake while pressing the brake - difficult not to do on a sloping driveway!
Can I get a seal kit from hispec?
cheers Arch

[muley]

Re the bearings, I suggest you get them adjusted / tightened up (but not too tight). They've probably just settled in. If set up per the manual I often find a minute amount of play.

Good luck with HiSpec!

Rgds

Jim

[RayD]

I was surprised as the car has only done 3000 miles since the new bearings were fitted with the conversion. Has anyone else had this problem?

It's not a problem as such Arch,

As Jim says it is part of the settling in period ... it's quite likely the "extra play" was there after a few miles rather than 3000.

Hopefully you'll be able to move the retaining nut to the next slot, replace the split pin, and still be within recommendations.

When they are right you shouldn't feel any play at the diameter of the tyre ... but ... the play should have only just diminished before the nut lands in it's final position.

Ray

[lotuska]

On the subject of wheel bearing play I've had 2 issues in the past that caused this...

1. Stub axle wear, not on my Elan but on another classic car I had, easy to spot as play is worse at 12 to 6 o'clock and much less at 3 to 9 o'clock.
2. Wrong wheel bearing or cheap replacement, found the internal diameter of replacement bearings to be too large and therefore play in bearing that wouldn't go.

Just a thought...

[RayD]

I Agree,

The new bearings certainly need checking on the stub shaft prior to fitting in the disc assembly.

Borderline cases can be temporarily rectified with equally spaced centre punch marks.

Ray

[BigErch]

Thanks, I'll get the wheels off in the next couple of days and check the bearings.
I'm a bit concerned about the caliper leak
cheers Arch

[ailwyn]

Thanks, I'll get the wheels off in the next couple of days and check the bearings.
I'm a bit concerned about the caliper leak
cheers Arch

I think you should be able to get new seals from Hi-Spec, or worst case, have to send the caliper to Hi-Spec to get it changed... did you partake in the effort a while ago to change all the internals on the calipers (that was supposed to stop the seal getting nicked in this way)? If not might be worth mentioning to them and appealing to their quality customer service....

A.

[Andy_J]

Just done my rear wheel bearings Archie, it only took an hour to do both sides (including jacking up and cleaning everything)

Take wheel off, take bearing cap off, remove split pin, tighten 24mm nut to 17 lbft while turning hub, slacken off, finger tighten, insert split pin, put bearing cap on, refit wheel, test drive

[BigErch]

did you partake in the effort a while ago to change all the internals on the calipers (that was supposed to stop the seal getting nicked in this way)? If not might be worth mentioning to them and appealing to their quality customer service.

cheers, it might be worth a try. Did this conversion stop the handbrake plus footbrake problem?

[ailwyn]

It stops the seal pinching, doesn't help the operation at all... i.e. you still need to take your foot off the pedal as/before you yank up the handbrake to get good pressure and even then it's not an inspiring hold.