Zak Thank you for explaining rather eloquently why my butt hurts so...

[hdavis]

>
>Scott,
> The above brought to mind an idea that's been rattling around in my brain
>for a while. Since the main weakness of "three-bearing" or "wide-spaced-
>bearing" front hubs seems to be the danger of weakening the hub by machining
>it down to accomodate the outermost bearing, why not make up a totally new hub
>with a longer shank? This would not only provide additional bearing surface,
>but might be used to move the wheel outward a couple inches to align with the
>rears, similar to what some are doing with offset wheels.
> The main complication would be attaching the unmodified (relatively short-
>nosed) axle shaft to the hub, but some sort of small-hex high-strength nut
>might do it down in the hole. Of course one would need an outboard housing
>bolted to the knuckle to support the OD of the outer bearing, probably using
>the existing bearing retainer bolt holes.
> Seems this would kill 2 birds, moving the wheels outboard, but without
>overloading the bearings the way offset wheels do.
> This is "harebrained scheme #397". Any comments out there? Think your
>hub-forger would be interested, Scott? Zak, Jim, and other engineering types:
>could this work?
>

It's a possible solution for making more room for bearings. But, the hub is just the first few worms in a pretty big can of
worms when you start changing the geometry.

You'd need to calculate the additional stresses placed on the inboard components - like ball joints and the steering gear.

It's worth a look though.

Henry

Henry Davis Consulting, Inc / new product consulting
PO Box 1270 / product readiness reviews
Soquel, Ca 95073 / IP reviews
ph: (408) 462-5199 / full service marketing
fax: (408) 462-5198
http://www.henry-davis.com

 

[john wright]

The GMC Motorhome News (Cinnabar newsletter) has a article on the use of
offset wheels to widen the front tread. The use of a off set rim to
align the front track with the rear increased the bearing load on the
front axles by 450%. It is possible that the longer hub assy. would also
increase the loading of the front axles. Would suggest that you call
Wes Caughlan (President of Cinnabar) and former GM Engineer on the GMC.
(650-948-8664) or email at gmcmh

J.R. Wright
77 Eleganza II


>

>
> > I spent a half
> > day last week, in Toledo, with a manufacturer of wheel hubs, he said ours
> > are
> > cast, whereas he would make them out of forged steel, which he said are a
> > lot
> > stronger. This guy makes thousands and thousands of wheel hubs
>
> Scott,
> The above brought to mind an idea that's been rattling around in my brain
> for a while. Since the main weakness of "three-bearing" or "wide-spaced-
> bearing" front hubs seems to be the danger of weakening the hub by machining
> it down to accomodate the outermost bearing, why not make up a totally new hub
> with a longer shank? This would not only provide additional bearing surface,
> but might be used to move the wheel outward a couple inches to align with the
> rears, similar to what some are doing with offset wheels.
> The main complication would be attaching the unmodified (relatively short-
> nosed) axle shaft to the hub, but some sort of small-hex high-strength nut
> might do it down in the hole. Of course one would need an outboard housing
> bolted to the knuckle to support the OD of the outer bearing, probably using
> the existing bearing retainer bolt holes.
> Seems this would kill 2 birds, moving the wheels outboard, but without
> overloading the bearings the way offset wheels do.
> This is "harebrained scheme #397". Any comments out there? Think your
> hub-forger would be interested, Scott? Zak, Jim, and other engineering types:
> could this work?
>
> Rick Staples
> '75 Eleganza
> Louisville, CO