'Bearing' On My mind!

[Randy J.]

Hey folks,

I was cleaning the front wheel bearings on my wife's Spaceliner. After applying the new grease I started to reassemble the axle. As I picked up one of the clean bearings to put it in place, one of the balls popped out, bounced off the wheel rim in my lap and fell through a crack in the deck floor. Despite a lot of looking I did not find it. I'm sure anyone who has worked on an old bike is familiar with these bearings. The lost ball is slightly larger than a BB. How would you recommend fixing this? I have some ideas but I'd rather know the correct way.

Thanks!
Randy

 

[Mybluevw]

Your LBS should have a selection of loose bearings. Take one from the hub with you for an example and they should be able to help you out.

 

[kunzog]

Buy a complete new retainer with bearings, they are not that expensive. On the back side of the retainer there is a number stamped denoting size.

 

[Randy J.]

Thanks! I discovered two things today: #1 - We do indeed have a local bicycle shop, and #2 - I felt really dumb after searching for a half hour for that ball when I found out they were all of 2-cents each. :o I just assumed that anything for a 50 year-old bike would be expensive if available at all. Actually, the guy gave me 3 of the balls in case this happens again - no charge. Kunzog... thanks for the tip on the stamped number. I took the old bearing in with me and he didn't have one with a similar retainer, so that's why I just replaced the missing ball this time. But I'm sure complete bearings are still available.

Randy