Hello my name is Thomas I have a 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 custom I bought a rear wheel off the internet was supposed to be a 2005 it was not it was for earlier model with a 3/4 axle not a 1-inch axle I went and got the rims swapped when they put the new rim on they replaced the 3/4 axle wheel bearings with one inch when put together they did not put in the tube spacer will it be fine is it safe to drive or should I be concerned thank you for your time

 

Be Concerned !!! ... Bearing Failure Eminent

The reason the Dumb ***** didn't put it in is because it probably wouldn't fit. There was just enough room for the 1" axle... No Sleeve. The center section of the wheel needs to have the clearance hole enlarged for the 1" axle/center spacer sleeve.



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Without the hub spacer when the axle nut is torqued, excessive axial load is placed on both 1" bore ball bearings. With the 1-1/4" OD x 1" ID center tube spacer the axial force load from the axle nut torque is placed only on the inner bearing race and not on the *****.
The ball bearing is not designed to handle that much axial force on the ball and race grooves. Yes, the bearing will fail, prematurely, and with excessive friction drag.

Many folks have drilled out the center with 1-5/16" drill at low speed. A 1-9/32" drill will also work.
Low budget could a 1/2" diameter rat tail file, since the shoulder is only about 3/8" thick.
Then the correct bearing spacer can be installed.

For reference purposes,
Sportster used 3/4" bore, ball bearing , REAR, 2000-2003
1" bore 2004-2007 with change to 150 rear tire
25mm , 2008- 2017

Front: 2000-2007, 3/4"
2008-2017, 25mm