I could use some wheel bearing help

[security leak]

So, I am on the last mile of a 200 mile round trip and my right front wheel bearing explodes. Limped into the driveway and tore it down. The outer looks dirty but ok. The inner was destroyed- cage completely gone. So I ordered new set and went about trying to remove the old cone (cup) off the spindle. Impossible. Anyway after using a pry bar (TM method) and then a puller with without success, I cut it off (piece by piece). Probably gauling caused it to weld itself to the spindle. Finally got it off, replaced the seal and cleaned up the spindle.

Here's my question:
How hard should it be to reinstall the new bearing? I am having a **** of a time getting it to slide on the spindle. I have never replaced one on a deuce before. I have done plenty on other trucks. I know they some friction so they don't spin, but they usually slide on with a little persuasion (BFH). Not this one. Is something amiss or is this normal? The TM says to use a pry bar to remove, that would indicate it is not very hard to put on-am I wrong?

Thanks

 

[gimpyrobb]

That is correct, they should go on "firmly". I didn't have to tap mine into place very hard.

 

[DaveP]

emery cloth?
after what you said happened--- the spindle needs cleaned up.

 

[wreckerman893]

Yep.....get some plumbers sanding cloth...comes in rolls......makes it easy to go round and round the spindle.

 

[Nonotagain]

If you have a micrometer or dial caliper, check to see how round the spindle is. Take measurements around the entire spindle.

Any areas that are higher in measurement are areas that you should pay attention to when sanding with crocus cloth. If it's really out-of-round, you may need to sue a swiss cut file o remove the bulk material before the crocus cloth smoothing.

 

[security leak]

OK everything is good now. The spindle had a few rough spots from the galling. Some abrasive cloth did the job. Thanks for the advice-she's back on the road.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Thanks for the update, glad to hear it.