Brake drum Bearing Fit?

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Dan1950

Dan1950

1974 MK II Roadster
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I got my brake drum back from the machine shop. They did a bang up job on machining a deeper grove in the bearing bore and fitting a slightly larger circlip. In fact, they did such a good job, I had to upgrade my cheap snap ring pliers to get the circlip out! The brake drum now pulls up without any radial runout once the axle is tight and I expect it to stay that way in service now.

The machinist brought up an interesting point. The bearing is a slip fit into the brake drum albeit a close slip fit. It has to be aligned just right to slip in. He thought that there should be at least a slight amount of interference fit. If I need to, I can set it in with some red Loctite but would rather not.

Is this (close) slip fit normal or should I use some red Loctite to secure the bearing?
 
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gortnipper said:
I used some red in mine, but 609 is made for purpose.

"Amazon.com: Loctite 13551160921 Retaining Compound, Green, 10mL : Industrial & Scientific" Amazon product ASIN B07ND4F3ZM
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Tanks, I'll probably go with the red as I have some on hand. There used to be a red called "stud and bearing mount".

What are your thoughts on servicing the bearing after setting it in Loctite?
 
Dan1950 said:
Tanks, I'll probably go with the red as I have some on hand. There used to be a red called "stud and bearing mount".

What are your thoughts on servicing the bearing after setting it in Loctite?
Click to expand...

That is why I used it too. I just put it in a few years ago and it is a good sealed bearing. So no experience servicing yet.
 
Be very careful, Loctite wicks itself into any available crack. It will easily invade the bearing raceways and ruin the bearing.

Use a toothpick to place a drop on the outer race / brake drum seam. Too much and the bearing is toast.

Slick
 
Dan1950 said:
I got my brake drum back from the machine shop. They did a bang up job on machining a deeper grove in the bearing bore and fitting a slightly larger circlip. In fact, they did such a good job, I had to upgrade my cheap snap ring pliers to get the circlip out! The brake drum now pulls up without any radial runout once the axle is tight and I expect it to stay that way in service now.

The machinist brought up an interesting point. The bearing is a slip fit into the brake drum albeit a close slip fit. It has to be aligned just right to slip in. He thought that there should be at least a slight amount of interference fit. If I need to, I can set it in with some red Loctite but would rather not.

Is this (close) slip fit normal or should I use some red Loctite to secure the bearing?
Click to expand...
Why "red"? For replacement items Blue is the norm (or something a little stronger) - with Red you need substantial heat ( gas-axe) for removal.
 
robs ss said:
Why "red"? For replacement items Blue is the norm (or something a little stronger) - with Red you need substantial heat ( gas-axe) for removal.
Click to expand...
Yes I'm thinking along those same lines. It will be much easier to service the bearing if I use blue. I think there is some blue out at the farm.
 
I think you are overthinking it
The wheel bearings support the bike
The sprocket bearing is not under the same loading
Any loctite would do ,use a sealed bearing it'll outlast all of us without maintenance and whatever strength loctite you use you will still be able to remove the bearing if needed
 
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