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Rear Wheel spindle possible binding.

Submitted by gerald_kane on Sun, 14/07/2024
Forums
Commando

Hello

I am in the process of adjusting the rear chain, and I have noticed something about the rear wheel through a process of elimination,  so with the rear brake fully slackened off, and the drive side wheel nut just finger tight and the timing side spindle/nut also finger tight the wheel spins nice, as I start to tighten just the timing side spindle nut the wheel perceptively starts to tighten up.

As a comparison, If I spin the wheel with everything slackened off I get about three revolutions but with just the rear spindled tightened up I get one revolution.

I have tried every combination of brake on fully tight, brake off, drive side nut tight/loose etc.  All the spacers/washers  are there on the spindle, Obviously I did not spin the wheel before slackening of, so it could be it was like this anyway, any thoughts on what to look for before I pull the spindle and start ordering parts?

This is a 1973 850.

thanks

Submitted by ian_soady on Sun, 14/07/2024

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... that the spacer between the bearings in the centre of the wheel can move a bit giving the impression that something's binding as it can put some end force on the bearings. I used to find this with my Commando but it all freed off after a very short ride.

I'm not saying this is definitely the case for you of course.

Submitted by gerald_kane on Sun, 14/07/2024

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thanks Ian, I gave that a try, went round the block a few times, came back and I there is definitely something not right, the brake drum was cool but the wheel spindle was very warm, I think there must be some friction in there somewhere.

Submitted by gerald_kane on Sat, 27/07/2024

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So I removed the rear wheel today and all looked good, bearings still packed with grease and no witness marks to be found of anything rubbing, so I went deeper into the brake drum side, I had a real problem getting the dished washer out of the brake drum, (more of that in a minute) but when I did I could see part of the felt seal had been dragged behind its retaining washer and into the bearing which was partially jammed up with it.  In getting out the dished washer I managed to gouge the left hand bearing spacer , item 23 (06.2070) in the parts book (MK1 1973 850).
I can't see how to get that out so I can clean it up, how can I get the spacer and its bearing out of the brake drum?

Submitted by gerald_kane on Mon, 29/07/2024

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I managed to get the spacer and bearing out,  heat and force with a vice and big hammer, the bearing is so rough it must have worn one or more of the balls when it jammed up.

Submitted by ian_soady on Tue, 30/07/2024

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... used sealed (2RS) bearings in wheels and ditch the felt washers, although I've never come across a problem like this.

 



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