Rear drum sprocket sideways play?

[robs ss]

I would still recommend replacing the cush rubbers - shimming isn't good enough. If they're wearing, they've had it!
Those bearings are not designed to keep the drum straight - I think you're on the wrong path there.
New cush rubbers and your "wobbly" problems will be gone.
Cheers

Edit: BTW C3 or extra clearance bearings in that area might be a smart move due to the heat from the drum brake?

 

[kommando]

C3 is the normal wheel bearing clearance on Brit bikes, however if your bearing housing is worn from previous bearing changes without using heat to release the bearing then CN is the better option. A steel hud or drum brake housing will cope with numerous replacements before wear is an issue and doing it cold is ok but alloy hubs do need heat.

 

[Carl H]

I would still recommend replacing the cush rubbers - shimming isn't good enough. If they're wearing, they've had it!
Those bearings are not designed to keep the drum straight - I think you're on the wrong path there.
New cush rubbers and your "wobbly" problems will be gone.
Cheers

Edit: BTW C3 or extra clearance bearings in that area might be a smart move due to the heat from the drum brake?

The Engineers did it for a reason, By keeping the drum true it prevents chaffing and wear of the cush rubbers. The sloppy bearings allow the cush pins to constantly work in and out every rotation of the drum. Of course you should have good cush rubbers. Properly cared for , the OEM bearings can last longer than a few life times. The drum/ chain is taking the force of many horsepower and abuse from braking forces. And the cush drive is on the weak side to begin with.

 

[Carl H]

C3 is the normal wheel bearing clearance on Brit bikes, however if your bearing housing is worn from previous bearing changes without using heat to release the bearing then CN is the better option. A steel hud or drum brake housing will cope with numerous replacements before wear is an issue and doing it cold is ok but alloy hubs do need heat.

C3 isn't the norm on all the bearings my stock Norton bikes. OEM they don't have the slop of a C3.

 

[Carl H]

The Engineers did it for a reason, By keeping the drum true it prevents chaffing and wear of the cush rubbers. The sloppy bearings allow the cush pins to constantly work in and out every rotation of the drum. Of course you should have good cush rubbers. Properly cared for , the OEM bearings can last longer than a few life times. The drum/ chain is taking the force of many horsepower and abuse from braking forces. And the cush drive is on the weak side to begin with.

And it helps the rear brakes shoes make better consistent contact and for Front brake drum brakes, it does the same. On Disc brakes it helps to keep the disk running true. I guess two rows are better than one. At least the old timers who designed the parts thought so.