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I am putting the 16" cast wheel back together from my FXD. The tapered bearings/races were replaced about 7K miles ago. There was no sign of trouble before I pulled them today for some maintenance, except that I think the spacers were not installed correctly based on the grooves in one of the washers. They came in the order shown in the photo. From the inside it was center hub, thin washer 1 and thin washer 2, race, rollers, seal. The thin washers pass down thru the inside of the race diameter
Also making me think it isn't correct is that this rather newish roller bearing has significant play in it after cleaning it up well. So I'm thinking the spacer was rubbing on both rings of the bearing. I have studied the FSM, but honestly sometimes the HD exploded view system leaves me behind. And I haven't found a simple explanation anywhere else.
Was this put in wrong,and is my roller bearing worn down early? If it is I will just put news ones in again
Last edited by randallissimo; Feb 19, 2026 at 04:31 PM.
Shims are blue arrow, shoulder washer/spacer is green arrow.
Can't comment on the amount of movement/play on the clean dry bearings in your vid, but the rollers look fine. I follow this procedure (link). If not done previously, and when reassembling, flip the axle so the nut is on the exhaust side. Depending on the model, the exhaust can be in the way when removing the axle from the original right side. Issue resolved when moving it to the left side.
If you plan on checking endplay (probably a good idea), chucking an axle into a vise is doable, but not really all that secure when you stack up the wheel, spacers, dial indicator and base (not to mention damage to the head of the axle). Anyways, picked up a used axle and welded a piece of angle iron to the head of it (similar to the video)and now a piece of cake chucking it into the vise for checking. Shim kit in stock at Dennis Kirk.
Movement of the rollers in the cage doesn't matter at all. It's gotta be installed in the race and tightened up to measure endplay. I also think you need the shouldered spacer and to go through it like Yankee Dog said.
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rear wheel assy
