Thanks. I believe what I have is the deep groove type. So the required spacer is a close fit around the steering column resting on the inner races or a much looser fit spacer bearing on the outer race assuming it projects far enough into the steering tube to do so. Just curious, why is this needed?If this is a deep groove radial ball bearing, you need a spacer tube between the bearings as per Commando design. You can get away with the spacer tube if selecting an angular contact ball bearing instead, which comes close to the original bearing design.
- Knut
Got it. Thanks very muchThe spacer tube is a clearance fit on the steering stem & sits between both inner races. It needs to be around 0.010" longer than the length between the top & bottom bearing seats in the head stock tube. The reason it is necessary is to enable the bearings to be clamped together, as deep groove ball bearings are not designed to take a axial load.
When fitting the bearings drive the bottom one in first & make sure it seats.