As a car owner, you might be familiar with various car parts, but have you ever wondered about the crucial role of Bearing Car Parts? Often overlooked until a problem arises, bearings are essential components in your vehicle’s smooth operation. This guide will delve into the specifics of a particular bearing assembly, commonly found in some vehicles, providing you with a deeper understanding of its function, maintenance, and rebuilding process.
Let’s explore a specific example of a robustly engineered bearing assembly. While generally reliable, understanding its components and how to service it can be beneficial for preventative maintenance or when addressing specific issues. However, it’s crucial to emphasize: if your bearing assembly is functioning correctly, it’s generally best to leave it undisturbed due to its durable design. This guide is for informational purposes and for those who might need to undertake a rebuild.
To begin, let’s visualize the components. The exploded diagram below, along with a labeled version, illustrates the parts we’ll be discussing. Notably, what the service manual refers to as “Dust Seals” are commonly known in the industry as “Oil Seals.” For clarity, we will refer to them as Inner and Outer Seals throughout this guide.
An exploded diagram of a car bearing assembly from a service manual, showing the arrangement of different components.
A labeled diagram of car axle bearing assembly parts, identifying components like inner CV cup, intermediate shaft, bearing bracket, seals, and dust covers.
Key Features of this Bearing Car Part Assembly:
- Double Shielded Bearing: The assembly utilizes a double shielded bearing, offering enhanced protection against contaminants.
- “C” Clip Retention: Similar to many front-wheel-drive systems, a “C” clip securely holds the intermediate shaft within the inner CV cup.
- OEM Double Seals: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) inner and outer seals are designed as double seals, providing a robust barrier against leaks and debris for both the intermediate shaft and the dust covers.
- Rotating Inner Dust Cover: The inner dust cover is mounted on and rotates in conjunction with the intermediate shaft.
- Fixed Outer Dust Cover: Conversely, the outer dust cover is mounted on the inner CV cup and remains stationary.
Understanding Bearing Types:
Bearings can be categorized based on their shielding.
- Unshielded Bearings: In unshielded bearings, the internal balls between the races are visible.
- Shielded Bearings: Shielded bearings conceal the balls. A double shielded bearing provides shielding on both sides for maximum protection.
Visual representation of car bearing types, highlighting the difference between unshielded bearings with visible balls and shielded bearings where balls are hidden.
Both OEM and aftermarket bearing car parts for this assembly are typically double shielded. OEM replacement seals are also double seals, while aftermarket options often feature single seals, primarily sealing against the intermediate shaft and not the dust covers.
OEM and Aftermarket Parts:
For rebuilding this assembly, both OEM and aftermarket parts are available. An OEM rebuild kit (P/N MB620810) includes all necessary components, including a small aluminum cap that fits inside the inner CV cup, a part not explicitly shown in some service manuals.
A photograph of the OEM car bearing assembly rebuild kit, part number MB620810, showcasing components like bearings, seals, and an aluminum cap.
Alternatively, aftermarket parts from brands like National offer a more budget-friendly option. Common aftermarket part numbers include:
- Bearing: 206-FF
- Inner Seal: 51098
- Outer Seal: 710221
A picture displaying aftermarket car bearing and seal components, labeled with their respective part numbers for identification and ordering.
Disassembly Procedure:
A common mistake during disassembly is damaging the outer dust cover when removing the inner CV cup. Using an axle removal fork tool incorrectly can lead to bending this cover, which is not available as a separate replacement part.
A recommended method involves securing the bearing bracket in a vise with the axle CV cup facing downwards. Then, using a cold chisel, punch, or metal rod and a hammer, carefully strike the outer edges of the CV cup. Rotate the cup and repeat the strikes on all sides to gradually separate it.
Image indicating the recommended points (marked with red X’s) to strike on the CV cup for safe disassembly of the car bearing assembly.
The intended factory disassembly procedure likely involves:
a) Securing the inner CV cup in a vise with the intermediate shaft hanging downwards.
b) Using a large diameter rod and hammer to push the aluminum cap and intermediate shaft out from the bottom of the CV cup.
After these steps, further disassembly, such as pressing out the shaft and bearing and removing the old seals, becomes straightforward.
Reassembly Procedure:
- If removed, press a new aluminum cap into the inner CV cup or reuse the old one with sealant.
- Press the new bearing car part into the bearing bracket from the inner side until it seats against the lip. Ensure pressure is applied only to the outer race of the bearing.
- Press the new inner seal into the bearing bracket, flush or slightly recessed.
- Press the new outer seal into the bearing bracket, noting that part of it will sit inside and part outside the bracket.
- Apply clean bearing grease to the inside of both new seals.
- Press the intermediate shaft (with the inner dust shield in place) into the new bearing, supporting the bearing by its inner race. The shaft will seat on a step within the bearing.
- Verify that the “C” clip is correctly positioned in its slot near the end of the intermediate shaft.
- Press the inner CV cup (with the outer dust cover in place) onto the end of the intermediate shaft until it is fully seated.
A detailed close-up of the inner seal correctly installed in the car bearing assembly, showing its position and fit.
A detailed close-up of the outer seal correctly installed in the car bearing assembly, highlighting its dual-positioning partly inside and partly outside the bracket.
Conclusion:
Rebuilding your bearing car part assembly is a task that requires careful attention to detail and the right procedures. While this assembly is robust and rarely fails, understanding its construction and maintenance steps can be valuable. Remember to proceed cautiously during disassembly and reassembly, and always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. If you are uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it is always advisable to seek assistance from a qualified automotive technician.
