Rear Wheel Bearings

[X Ring]

I was talking with Punisher the other day and he told me some members were using the 5204 bearing in place of the 6204 bearing on the left side of the wheel.  He also said they were machining the spacer between the wheel and the frame to accomodate the difference in thickness.  As the 5204 is thicker, you can't put a dust seal on it.  That got me to thinking.  I wonder if the wheel has enough material to machine the left side of the wheel to accept the 5204 and dust seal.

Marty

[MP]

I have done that.  The bearing has a regular seal on the side of it.  The dust seal is just an additional piece to deflect stuff.  I would not worry about it.

I have bearings running with just the bearing seal on the inside of combines, where the chaff and dust is so thick you could not see!  They run for years and years at hundreds of hours a year before failing.  It is probably 1000 times dirtier at least than a tire on the highway.  A dirt bike may be a different deal.

Do not worry about it.

MP

[X Ring]

Thanks.  It'll probably be a LOT cheaper to get that spacer machined than the wheel.

Marty

[MP]

I just cut it by hand to close to length.  Then, squared it off at the correct length.  Priceless!

MP