Rear wheel bearing spacer

[AMWroofing]

Hello,

I've got an 1982 320i. I'm gathering parts to rebuild/restore the rear end.

I picked up a pair of 323 trailing arms, for a rear disc conversion. After taking those apart and understanding the diagrams vs. reality - a question.

I see why they use a wheel bearing tube spacer. However, if you measure the tube length, you'll find that it is a few mm longer than the machined lip/shoulder within the bearing housing. This is where the variable width shim comes into play. These shims are NLA. But the more I look at it though, I'd just assume one could turn down one end of the spacer tube to match the exact width of the shoulder spacing.

Not everyone has a lathe at thier disposal, so yes, the shims make perfect sense. But if you can't get said shims for such a spacing measurement...then why not narrow the tube to fit. It's one in the same, yes?

[BertjeConti]

Makes sense but, the minimal thickness of the spacer is 2.5mm, if you install the outer bearing without this spacer, the hub sits 2,5mm further inward as it should. I don't think thats a good idea.

Can't you use the old spacer which is already in the housing? As i see how it works, spacer and wheelbearing housing are paired together.

[uwbuurman]

Yup, that's correct, Rob. Use the old spacer ring.