I pulled the rear wheel off my '97 Ultra and took it with a new tire and a new set of AllBalls bearings #25-1002 off jpcycles to have mounted. When I removed the wheel I set aside one long spacer from the left side, and a short one from the right side. When I got the wheel back, he handed me a third short spacer, and said it fell out of one side or the other, not sure which.

I got it home, looked at some pictures online, looks like it butts up against the long spacer on the left side, on the wheel side. I got it together, adjusted belt, and tried to torque it to my manual's 60-65lbs. But, it never tightens, it just keeps going until the wheel won't move.

I read that different types of bearings need a different spacer between them, inside the wheel. Is this my problem?

 

It probably goes with the center spacer.. Did the guy set the bearing end-play when he changed the bearings? Of not you might have damaged the new bearings.

 

I think I found the problem. Had to let the pressure off the rear brake. I had put it all back together, then tightened the bolts. I went out and opened the bleeder on the rear caliper and pulled it and the pads off, then tried torquing again. The wheel does grab a little after torquing, but didn't lock up like before.

 

Multiple spacers are typical for rear wheels with tapered wheel bearings with a separate seal. The short ones provide the sealing surface for the seals.

No matter if you have problem or not, like bwoltz mentioned, I would ask the installers if they set the end play on that bearing assy.

 

I agree on the bearing spacer play. The spacer is there so the bearings can be pressed against it. If the spacer is too short the bearings will not tighten against it and cause bearing failure.

My heart sunk when I read that you kept tightening the nut and it kept turning. Can't begin to tell you how critical this is. You can get a pretty good idea by checking to see if the center spacer is loose. If it is loose between the bearings you have a problem.