Rear sealed bearing conversion

[illMATTic]

As you already know, the old stock bearings are probably pitted and worn. I have replaced them with a set of sealed NSK R8Z bearings. I also have a new 1/2" axle.
The bearings measure 1 1/8"x 3/8" with a 1/2 hole. I used a roughly a 1 1/4" diameter shim that was 1/16th" thick. There is also a spacer between the bearings. These numbers are approx. and may differ a couple thousandths.

I am in the process of doing this for my front Worksman brake drum as well.

I think I have like 20-25 bucks into the rear.

[Mike Sal]

FYI, anyone who needs replacement 1/4" balls for their original bearings, just let me know.  I've got hundreds of them.
mike Sal

[illMATTic]

My axle, bearings and races were all pitted. I know loose bearings are less money but I get tired of them falling out if I take the wheel off.

If my race was still good, I would have just replaced the loose bearings.

[oil-lamp]

Will you be offering a detailed drawings for both front and rear so we could have some made?¿?   

[illMATTic]

I will do my best. The problem is, I do not have the exact measurment for the rear shim any longer.

The parts I used for the front Worksman drum brake, are all off the shelf parts I found at www.treatland.tvThey are a moped parts supplier. The bearing swap is pretty common for them.

[dw1973]

I will do my best. The problem is, I do not have the exact measurment for the rear shim any longer.

The parts I used for the front Worksman drum brake, are all off the shelf parts I found at www.treatland.tvThey are a moped parts supplier. The bearing swap is pretty common for them.

Sure would like to convert mine over the winter.   Any updates?   Any issues since install?

Thanks,

Dave

[pd]

I second the interest in an update . Thanks .

Pete .

[illMATTic]

Everything seems to be ok. I have only a few miles on it. As long as you use a quality bearing it should last.

[pd]

"I have only a few miles on it."

Hmm , I guess they really don't float to well . I mean not like a boat ...

JK .

Pete .

[illMATTic]

I have worked on this bike more in the past week than I have all summer. 

[Bruce]

arent worksman's sealed bearings anyhow?  why did you need a shim to fit the bearing?

[Ricks]

arent worksman's sealed bearings anyhow?  why did you need a shim to fit the bearing?

Maybe he isn't using the worksman axle???   How long is a worksman axle anyway?  What is the OD of a worksman axle?  If I was going to use worksman wheels, I think I would just buy the rims and lace them to the Simplex hubs.

[Bruce]

I dont have one right here to measure but the drums etc are used on plenty of bikes (motored). i think the simplex is what?  4 3/4?   im sure my whizzer is that and they fit those.  Simplex drums are bigger, I know.

[admin]

I dont have one right here to measure but the drums etc are used on plenty of bikes (motored). i think the simplex is what?  4 3/4?   im sure my whizzer is that and they fit those.  Simplex drums are bigger, I know.

I'm thinking the axles might be too short for a simplex frame.  Someone that has a worksman wheel needs to measure the axle length.

[illMATTic]

A worksman axle is only 3/8". I have a 1/2" axle on the rear and a 12mm on the front.