22-04-2018, 08:55 PM
There seems some misconception about clamping loads. Unless narrow outer bearings are (very wrongly) fitted in an early long tunnel case without packing, the cover plate should never fully contact the case. The clamp tension comes onto the lip. Plus any extra load arising from a bearing attempting to tilt in its housings, as a very rigid preloaded bearing would seem more inclined to do.
Whilst any radial clearance in Seven bearings is audible, I cannot see that end float needs to be absolutely nil. Many other makes with helical gears must operate with several thou.
Cheap remedies are now unfashionable, but for cars not requiring stepped bearings, I suspect a modern deep groove ball race fronted by an old one as spacer would be just fine.
Whilst any radial clearance in Seven bearings is audible, I cannot see that end float needs to be absolutely nil. Many other makes with helical gears must operate with several thou.
Cheap remedies are now unfashionable, but for cars not requiring stepped bearings, I suspect a modern deep groove ball race fronted by an old one as spacer would be just fine.