Restoration Question 1--New Hercules Coaster Brakes

Submitted by portdalhousie on Wed, 09/17/2014 - 06:36

Hi, 

I am taking one of these hubs apart, in order to clean it and rebuild a wooden rim wheel.  When I took the cog and threaded shaft off, I found that the cages for the ball bearings were totally gone, with just bits remaining.  Can I reinstall this with loose bearings, or do I need the correct cages/races? 

Thanks!  --David Webb

3 Comments

Submitted by Old-Bikes on Wed, 09/17/2014 - 18:23.

loose balls will work just fine... in fact more balls should fit which is better for spreading the load. just make sure you take one off when the bearing race is filled so they have room. if you don't they will bind.

Submitted by portdalhousie on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 10:26.

Thanks for this info!  I was hoping this would be the best approach!  --David Webb

Submitted by william rudolph on Sun, 09/21/2014 - 14:34.

in theory it is possible but trying to get the balls in place espically on the fixed cone side may be quite a chore        william rudolph