backwards??

[1970bayboy]

:-[Well I think I put my wheel barrings in the hub backwards? Is this even possible?? When I was installing them I had no frame or reference because the hub had none in it. There are two pieces that fit together in the wheel barring and now after taking my drums apart i think I out them together backwards, carrier with the barrings first then the sleeve part. I don't know if I can remove them with out wreaking them but i was wondering if it really makes a difference and why??

thanks for the tips

Joby

[riffraff]

This is not bay window specific, but
The wheel bearings press into the drums such that the taper of the outer races (what you call the sleeve) of both the inner and outer bearing allows the bearing carrier and inner race to slide out. So the inner wheel bearing will press into the drum such that you can slide the carrier and inner race in and out of the drum from the inboard side. Similarily, the outer wheel bearing will press into the drum such that the carrier and inner race can be slid in and out from the outboard side.
The easiset way to tell if they are installed correctly is that it is possible to remove the carrier and inner race of both bearings from the drum, leaving the outer races still pressed into the drum.
The reason for this is so that the proper amount of lateral pressure can be applied to the bearings with the spindle clamp nuts. If the bearings are inside out, there is no control over the lateral pressure and they will either be too loose and sloppy, or too tight and seize.
If they are installed "inside out", you will have to get them pressed out and installed properly.

Hope this helps.