rear hub speedo housing

Hi all, I just finished putting in new rear hub/ brake drum bearings on my 72 Commando (what a set-up). However, after getting everything put back together, I spun the rear wheel around by hand to make sure everything was properly aligned. Of course, I was standing on the left side of the bike and didn't see the speedo drive turn with the hub and damage the cable. When I initially took the right side axle out, there was only the long spacer and speedo drive housing between the inside of the swing arm and the hub. after reassembly and tightening the axle bolt, the spacer pressed against the speedo drive housing and won't allow it to spin freely on the axle. Am I missing something here, like another spacer or other part? By loosening the axle up, the speedo housing will rotate freely, but it seems that the axle would eventually loosen or tighten up while riding. I lubed the speedo housing prior to assembly and it appeared to be turning freely and it worked fine prior to replacing the bearings. What did I do wrong and how can I remedy this?

" When I initially took the right side axle out, there was only the long spacer and speedo drive housing between the inside of the swing arm and the hub. after reassembly and tightening the axle bolt, the spacer pressed against the speedo drive housing and won't allow it to spin freely on the axle. Am I missing something here, like another spacer or other part? By loosening the axle up, the speedo housing will rotate freely, but it seems that the axle would eventually loosen or tighten up while riding. I lubed the speedo housing prior to assembly and it appeared to be turning freely and it worked fine prior to replacing the bearings. What did I do wrong and how can I remedy this?[/quote]"

It sounds like you lost the spacer (P/N NM13270) which fits inside the hole in the speedo gearbox. This spacer takes the crush from "big spacer" and applies it to the inner bearing race, allowing the gearbox to turn freely. Is the gearbox a sloppy fit over the axle? If so, this is an indication the spacer is missing. If it is there, perhaps it is worn or crushed. In any event, I would start with a new spacer (available from most Norton dealers).
Regards,
Ron