Front wheel bearing races aren't supposed to spin?

After driving out the old races and putting the first new one in, I realized something did not feel right. Lo and behold, the race spins freely when "seated". Are there any ways to get them seated properly with the wear, or am I looking at a new wheel hub?

 

HELL NO.

Either a new hub or a new race. How did the old one fit?

I'd bring the hub to the store and see if the other races in the store "drop in," or whether you've got a bad part.

If not, then, yeah, new hub.

Frankly, I've never heard of this.

- Eric

 

I think what happened is the old bearings spun, creating a shallow groove where the races are supposed to be seated. The old races spun, too, and the new ones were a tight fit until they got to the worn area.

 

You'll need a hub, then. I've never heard of an oversize race.

- Eric

 

x2

 

How much/easy does it spin?
You could take a punch and go around the inside of the hub, making small impressions to 'tighten it up'.
Make sure it goes in straight with a little Loctite, and you'll be good to go!

 

yeah common, you need to stake them...

 

How worn are the races, as both Loctite and Permatex make Bearing Mount compounds for loose press fit parts. I've used the Loctite on rear axle pinion bearings, and really holds. Also have some Permatex, for worn parts, up to .020" gap, but never tried it. This stuff may just be the ticket. Maybe still have to install new races though.

 

They spin freely, but don't have much play. You still have to press/drive them in it's just when they get to the end when they start spinning.

 

As mentioned, this is exactly the application, bearing mount compound is designed for. Stuff works very well, and I'm a believer. I had a small Loctite bottle I lost, so recently picked up a little tube of Permatex Bearing Mount for worn parts, from Amazon for $7 bucks. Just to have around.

 

First question do the bearing race numbers match old vs new?
If so then yes hub is worn!
Either replace hub or do the ***** punch trick and use bearing mount loctite like people have mentioned before, also you should use clean and cure to remove dirt and grease, or carb or brake clean for good adheasion.

I have used this trick many times on either o.d or i.d. situations.

Pat