New sealed front bearings don’t spin

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1973x75

1973x75

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Maybe I drove them in too far? I used Old Britts modified spacer. Froze the new bearings, then heat gunned the hub, hammered them in with the appropriate sized socket as a drift, and now they’re locked up. It’ll be hell getting them back out, as the spacer is in there really tight. What did I do wrong?
 
1973x75 said:
Maybe I drove them in too far? I used Old Britts modified spacer. Froze the new bearings, then heat gunned the hub, hammered them in with the appropriate sized socket as a drift, and now they’re locked up. It’ll be hell getting them back out, as the spacer is in there really tight. What did I do wrong?
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Did you follow the correct fitting procedure?

The single-row bearing must be fitted and the lock ring fully tightened before (the spacer and) double-row bearing. The double-row bearing should then only be fitted enough for it to touch the spacer.

http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Repair/70up_Commando/70upCommando.pdf
Section H9, 6-11.
 
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No, I didn’t put the lock ring on after I installed the single row bearing, I went right on to the double row. Most likely the bearings will be irrepairably damaged upon removal, correct?
 
1973x75 said:
No, I didn’t put the lock ring on after I installed the single row bearing, I went right on to the double row. Most likely the bearings will be irrepairably damaged upon removal, correct?
Click to expand...
They will probably still be ok
 
1973x75 said:
No, I didn’t put the lock ring on after I installed the single row bearing, I went right on to the double row. Most likely the bearings will be irrepairably damaged upon removal, correct?
Click to expand...

Depends how tight the fit in the hub. If you warm the hub and try tapping the inner race of the single-row bearing then if you are lucky it might just free it off without damage.
 
Assuming you're able to get them out without any visible damage, just be sure to scrutinize how well they roll once they're out. You'll be hammering against the inner race, which can dent the races and/or balls, rendering the bearing junk.

We'll keep our fingers crossed for you!
Nathan
 
Used the heat gun, went in and tapped the inner race on the single row bearing, that loosened up the spacer. Tapped the double row a couple times, put the lock ring back on, and the spacer is still slightly loose. Now I can’t get the axle all the way through. It goes in each direction, then when it hits the opposing bearing, it stops. Tried tapping it a bit, but it just bound up in the bearings.
 
Sounds like both bearings are not aligned in their housings correctly, best you take them out completely and restart. Hopefully the housings are not damaged.
 
Good advice all, and thank you. I should have followed instructions the first time around. Bearings are cheap in the long run. Lesson learned.
 
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