Rear bearing advice

[DomP]

I'm stripping my rear wheel to rebuild it with a replacement hub to rectify the split lining.  I've drifted the old bearings out and have noticed the inside of the races were fitted with the seal removed, should I do this with my new NTN bearings?  One other question, I can't find a replacement 'd' ring that seals the hub to the sprocket carrier, can I just fit an appropriately sized oring?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I believe the later replacement wheel bearings are the sealed type so you fit them as supplied with the seals on both sides - sealed for life so as to speak like most modern wheel bearings.

I believe the D ring was used rather than a straight O ring due to the unusual movement of the hub seal more of an ossilation effect rather than the normal rotation or static arrangement used with O rings.

[Oddjob]

There are a couple of members who may have a spare D ring. We all bought some from Erny a year or so ago, Sesman bought 2 and did say one was spare, I think the other was Mickwinf? I bought 5 as I expected them to be in demand but I've sold 3 of them and I need to keep the last 2 for myself.

It may be that Erny can have some more made, might not be a bad idea.

Got to warn you though that these ain't cheap, around 8 euros to have them made IIRC plus of course P&P.

[Laverda Dave]

I believe the later replacement wheel bearings are the sealed type so you fit them as supplied with the seals on both sides - sealed for life so as to speak like most modern wheel bearings.

I believe the D ring was used rather than a straight O ring due to the unusual movement of the hub seal more of an ossilation effect rather than the normal rotation or static arrangement used with O rings.

I don't know if this applies to the 500/550’s but on the 400/4 there is a spacer that fits between the two bearings either side of the hub. The spacer has three prongs on each end and these appear to locate between the exposed ball bearings. I ordered new bearings and these arrived with the seal fitted on both sides whereas the original bearings were open on the side that fits into the hub. I assume this is to allow the spacer prongs to fit. Therefore should I remove the inside seal of the new bearings to allow the prongs to locate otherwise the seal will prevent this?

[DomP]

I believe the later replacement wheel bearings are the sealed type so you fit them as supplied with the seals on both sides - sealed for life so as to speak like most modern wheel bearings.

I believe the D ring was used rather than a straight O ring due to the unusual movement of the hub seal more of an ossilation effect rather than the normal rotation or static arrangement used with O rings.

I don't know if this applies to the 500/550’s but on the 400/4 there is a spacer that fits between the two bearings either side of the hub. The spacer has three prongs on each end and these appear to locate between the exposed ball bearings. I ordered new bearings and these arrived with the seal fitted on both sides whereas the original bearings were open on the side that fits into the hub. I assume this is to allow the spacer prongs to fit. Therefore should I remove the inside seal of the new bearings to allow the prongs to locate otherwise the seal will prevent this?

Exactly my thoughts

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It was 18 months ago but iirc they sit against the inner race unless they are bent out if shape, I certainly don't think the seal was an issue.
Update
Iirc on the drive gear side a separate spacer sits against the bearing so no issue on that side. Is the spacer slightly different at each end like the 400 with different prong ends?

[mickwinf]

Indeed i have a spare d ring as I lost mine and bought another from Oddjob, then found the original!

[Bryanj]

The legs do not fit in the bearing but simplyhold the spacer squareish in the hub.
Leave the bearing seals in and fit as supplied, they are lubed for life

[DomP]

That's what I wondered Bryan, a previous owner must have had them changed and removed the inner covers because the outers were still fitted.

[Bryanj]

No mate, originals had no inner seals, saved a couple of yen per bearing and with millions fitted it adds up, same reason for jis screws

[Laverda Dave]

No mate, originals had no inner seals, saved a couple of yen per bearing and with millions fitted it adds up, same reason for jis screws

Ah, that explains it then Bryan. I did wonder why there was no seal on the inside and just thought it was to allow the spacer to locate. Thanks for clarifying (and Ted)👍

[DomP]

Indeed i have a spare d ring as I lost mine and bought another from Oddjob, then found the original!

Were you keeping it for a spare or are you looking to sell it Mick?

[mickwinf]

I have 2 spare so could help you out.cant remember how much they cost but will find out and you can have one for whatever they cost me.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

As a result of the conversations posted about the hub spacers I took a closer look at my 500 front & rear spacers and how they present to the bearings.

The steel section that has the prongs sits a short distance up the spacer as there is a sort of collar that keeps it off the bearing. The collar is sufficient to stop the prong ends from contacting the bearing at any point provided the prongs have not become bent downwards.
As has been said this arrangement helps to keep the main spacer at right angles to the hub/ bearing during assembly. IIRC when I was assembling mine on the 400 I actually had an axle shaft to assist with the final alignment before fully drifting in the fixed bearing.

[Laverda Dave]

That was going to be my plan of attack Ted, use the axle as the locator to ensure it's all square prior to finally drifting into place (and following the freezer treatment beforehand)👍