1975 r90/6 front wheel bearing

[clmedlin]

I am rebuilding a r90/6. I bought the bike as a barn find project. As I went to rebuild the front hub, one of the outter races fell out when I pulled the bearing. As I went to install the new outter races, one side pressed in as expected. On the side which came out with the bearing, the outer race will slide in and out without force.

Is my hub shot? Do I have options besides replacing it?

 

[gregfeeler]

I am rebuilding a r90/6. I bought the bike as a barn find project. As I went to rebuild the front hub, one of the outter races fell out when I pulled the bearing. As I went to install the new outter races, one side pressed in as expected. On the side which came out with the bearing, the outer race will slide in and out without force.

Is my hub shot? Do I have options besides replacing it?

In theory, a skilled machinist could shim that side of the hub to again hold the bearing race. But, I don't know of anyone who is doing this work, and if they did, it might be as expensive as finding a replacement hub (or wheel) as I expect you'd have to have the wheel de-laced to have just the hub to work with. I friend of mine had a similar problem with a rear wheel on his /5 and finally found a used rear hub and had a new rim laced up around it at Woody's.

 

[Omega Man]

I’m not sure if the race wobbles or just slides in and out and won’t really stay in on it’s own.
If it just won’t stay in on its own, this is the most informative thread on this extreme Locktite product-

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/loctite-threadlocker-for-bearing-race.142221/

HTH

OM

 

[melville]

That hub should require heat to remove and install the bearing outers. Your situation sounds like someone skipped that step in the past.

Yes, the bearing bore or sleeve retainer Loctite will hopefully be enough to keep things together.

 

[clmedlin]

In theory, a skilled machinist could shim that side of the hub to again hold the bearing race. But, I don't know of anyone who is doing this work, and if they did, it might be as expensive as finding a replacement hub (or wheel) as I expect you'd have to have the wheel de-laced to have just the hub to work with. I friend of mine had a similar problem with a rear wheel on his /5 and finally found a used rear hub and had a new rim laced up around it at Woody's.

Thanks. I reached lout to Woody's and am awaiting a response. I had thought about have a shim machined - just not sure how safe that would be.

 

[stevenrankin]

Work

While I have never personally had this problem, there have been quite a few different threads over the years on the BMWMOA, Vintage and Airheads regarding the issue.

Whatever is done it must be certain the race when repaired does not turn at all in the hub. As I write, there have been many repairs done with various methods and varying success. Good luck, St.

 

[Darryl Cainey]

FYI Woody from Woody's Wheel Works just passed away a week or so ago.

 

[clmedlin]

I appreciate all the input. I am new to the MOA and this was my first post. I thought I’d share my decision - I got an estimate from Woody’s. I also contacted Loctite and a buddy who’s in the manufacturing business who I consider an expert in bearings and engineering - just not motorcycles. I opted to use Loctite 648. It was the most cost effective solution. I installed the outer race today. It appears to be working. I am waiting on a shim kit from cycle works, but when the wheel is completed, I will update the group on the outcome. Woody’s was going to use a retaining compound as well. Sourcing a new hub was just not realistic. Thanks again. S/F