X-Ray Rebuild Bearing testing and A-Arm Assembly

With the diff repaired, I can proceed with the main assembly of my like new X-Ray. The next important part of this project are the bearings.

Normally when I check over the car during a rebuild I check over the bearings. This tends not to be such a big deal for one reason or another. I think back to my days with Team Associated. I had to replace bearings almost every 3 months or so. I am not sure why that was.

Still, nothing kills your race hopes and dreams like a bearing that refuses to spin correctly, or at all. It is always a good idea to check all your bearings after your fifth race day to make sure there are no problems. If you don't check the bearings then, then you better check during your rebuild

Replacement bearings are pretty easy to come by. the only issue you may run into is the size of the bearings. Just make sure you are using the correct measuring system when you purchase your bearings so that there are no problems later.

The bearings that I always have a problem with are the 4 front bearings. My front axle and dog bones make direct contact with those bearings. Add to that the fact that the tires are always turning from right to left and I would imagine those four front bearings are the most stress bearings of the car. So when I test them, I see just how much grit and grime got in the bearing and will chose to replace them if need be.

I have a bearing testing tool. Its a cone shaped tool with notches to fit the different sized bearings. All i would do is place the bearing in the correct notch and rotate the bearing. If I feel any grit or if the bearing wont rotate at all, then its time for it to be replaced. I test all my bearings this way but I pay close attention to the front four.

After checking the bearings, I continue with the rebuild by connecting the A-arms that will later hold the steering knuckles. This is my chance to set the wheelbase of the car by setting spacers to elongate or shorten the car's overall length. I chose to go with a the longest wheelbase I could to attempt to get a more stable car when traction picks up.

the rest of the A-arm assembly is a cakewalk. I just want to make sure that the pins that I use to connect the A-arm to the bulkhead aren't bent so I tap the A-arm to create a free movement. The arm should (without being connected to anything but the chassis) move freely up and down and not stick at any point. If the pin was bent, I would not be able to do this and the pin would have to be replaced.

More to come. Hold on guys, I'm getting there. :)