Hub and bearing snap ring

[ScottB]

In removing my hubs to inspect the bearings, i noticed a space between the inside race and the seal. Looking on line it looks like there is supposed to be a snap ring in there. The bearings and wheels seam to run fine for as much as i have driven it since pulling it out of storage. AR has these snap rings on their site but out of stock. I have yet to find them elsewhere yet.

That said, does anyone have input about the function and importance of this snap ring?

Thanks in advance.
Scott B

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Scott, is this the snap ring (spacer) that you're talking about?
http://www.fiatplus.com/FRONT-WHEEL-SEAL-SPACER.html

I never did fully understand the function, but my guess is that it locates the seal at the proper depth into the hub and keeps the seal evenly positioned in the hub. The bearing races on the hub are press-fit into the hub, and they're not going anywhere with the bearings installed and the spindle nut tightened.

I suppose you could get away with not having this snap ring in place, but I'd be concerned that the seal would work its way too far into the hub, or start to tilt off axis, over time.

How's that for hand waving?
-Bryan

[ScottB]

Scott, is this the snap ring (spacer) that you're talking about?
http://www.fiatplus.com/FRONT-WHEEL-SEAL-SPACER.html

I never did fully understand the function, but my guess is that it locates the seal at the proper depth into the hub and keeps the seal evenly positioned in the hub. The bearing races on the hub are press-fit into the hub, and they're not going anywhere with the bearings installed and the spindle nut tightened.

I suppose you could get away with not having this snap ring in place, but I'd be concerned that the seal would work its way too far into the hub, or start to tilt off axis, over time.

How's that for hand waving?
-Bryan

Haha.
I jumped to the fiat plus site to grab a couple and they only had the one. lol I will look more later today. I have a few other items i need.

I bet your right. Pretty much is a spacer to holt the seal in place. I have a new set of bearing that i was going to replace, but will wait for a while. Mine look good and i will test run the car for a bit with the work i have done so far. Find the snap rings, then do the bearings. I am enjoying learning the car so far as in the past I just drove it like I stole it.
Scott B

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Sounds like a plan. One other item of note: I don't know if there are differences between different manufacturers of bearings and races, but one thing that I have noticed is that if you get a mismatch between the hub, the races, and the bearings, the brake rotor won't be centered in that yoke that holds the brake caliper. Slight discrepancies are probably OK, but anything more than that and you run the risk of having the rotor touch against the yoke. Or the tangs of the anti-vibration springs.

So, I guess my suggestion is either to stick with the original bearings and races, or replace them both together with parts from the same manufacturer.

It's possible I'm the only one who has had this problem in the past (only sporadically), but I'll just toss it out there in case someone else knows more.

-Bryan

[ScottB]

Sounds like a plan. One other item of note: I don't know if there are differences between different manufacturers of bearings and races, but one thing that I have noticed is that if you get a mismatch between the hub, the races, and the bearings, the brake rotor won't be centered in that yoke that holds the brake caliper. Slight discrepancies are probably OK, but anything more than that and you run the risk of having the rotor touch against the yoke. Or the tangs of the anti-vibration springs.

So, I guess my suggestion is either to stick with the original bearings and races, or replace them both together with parts from the same manufacturer.

It's possible I'm the only one who has had this problem in the past (only sporadically), but I'll just toss it out there in case someone else knows more.

-Bryan

Thanks and the good to know. I bought a full bearing sets with the race as well. I likely will just leave well enough alone with the whole hub bearing assembly for some time. It all looked great to me. I think i have made a big enough work project for myself with this last bright idea. lol.

However, i now have a new brake assembly with new calipers and 257 rotors. we shall see how they perform. I changed my brake reservoir and hoses as well because the inside of it look like it had been camping of something. Not sure how much black sediment could get in there. Got new rear brake pads, did a brake bleed and seams to be ready for the road. No leaks or nada. Not to mention new ball joints and an inspection of the control arms.

Next project is exhaust. Mine is one wielded piece from the down pipe to the rear muffler. No catalytic converter or center muffler. A bit loud. I wonder if that can contribute to the popping on deceleration.

Anyways, thanks again for your help. Definitely makes the job easier.
Scott