[UKRC51]

Hi all,

2 things, firstly does any one know if the front wheel bearing (inside rim) spacer should be aluminium or steel, and secondly does any one know of the actually length it should be.

The reason why i ask is mine is aluminium and i when i replace the wheel bearings it didnt seem to allow the bearings to seat properly.

Thanks

Gary

[fastattack686]

mine was aluminum. If it fit before.. would guess your bearings arent seated.

[zerogara]

Maybe the problem lies within the properly definition. If you think the bearing outer race needs to seat inside far enough to reach the wheel flange and with tha spacer it doesn't, don't worry. Even if the spacer is not tight against the bearings that is ok too. The further apart the bearings are from each other the lower the stress they are exposed to. Imagine holding a long rod in your hands, how easy is it to counter someone trying to lift an end up and down, by having your hands closer together or further apart.
This is as long as your seals and outter spacers/speedo drive (on some bikes) do not create clearence problems, and as long as it is not just one side that is further out than the other.
What I do is put one in driven by the old bearing race, just far enough to clear with small taps at a time on a shocket slightly smaller in diameter than the bearing. Then put the axle in and spacer to keep it straight against the other side. Drive the other side in and measure which one is further out and how much space you still have. Swith the axles from side to side to hold the spacer in line.
Of course it helps to freeze the bearings before installation and have the wheel warm (sun, space heater).
The only thing you need to worry is about getting the bearing kinked and driven on an angle. They can be ruined that way. Keep your hammer taps at the center of the shocket/bearing driver) always. It might be better to pull it out and start over than try to force it staight.

[UKRC51]

Cheers guys, thanks for your help. The bearings are in square definitely, just wanted to see what some other peoples thoughts were. But you have re-assured me that every thing should be okay. Again thanks guys for your help.