Miata Question

[chuck schultz]

I'm expecting some new pads and rotors to be delivered in a couple of days. After Tom's problem at Road Atlanta confirmed the rumors I'd heard, I decided that maybe I should replace the hubs, while I'm at it.

Where does everybody who races Miatas get new hub assemblies? They seem pretty expensive, here, in Anniston.

[JohnW8]

I usually get them from Tom. Otherwise I'd got through Mazda Motorsport and disassemble them and rebuild with good high quality Redline grease. Some replace the ball bearings with better one but the hub race wears out faster than the ball bearing will.

There are some Spec Miata companies that sell them blueprinted and add longer studs but that can get pricey.

[chuck schultz]

Is there any way to objectively evaluate the condition of the races in my current hubs, or should I just be planning to replace them after 2-1/3 years of thrashing the car?

[JohnW8]

You will feel the slop in the front hubs by trying to move the wheel. Jack the wheel off the ground and grab hold of the wheel at 12 and 6 then try to move it laterally. If its worn it will click.

[chuck schultz]

If its worn it will click.

Thanks. Something else I can do while we're redoing the brakes, next week, just in time for worker laps.

That's right, worker laps for all volunteers at the spring ALSCCA/TVR Time Trial/PDX event at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, next weekend. All help is welcome, and will be rewarded.