[PipeLinePete]

While replacing the rear tire on my DL1000, I didn't notice that the sprocket hub spacer had fallen out (the spacer that fits into the inside of the hub). Suzuki calls it the "retainer" item no. 11.

So I put the wheel back on and tightened everything up. I heard a small "tick" sound during final axle torquing, but didn't think much of it at the time. I installed the cotter pin and thought "another job well done." Then I noticed the retainer sitting on the workbench. YOW! I quickly removed the wheel and got the thing installed.

Now I'm worried that I might've damaged something. I looked closely at the wheel and sprocket hubs but didn't see any cracks. What do you think? Would torquing the axle without the retainer cause damage? Thanks!
Peter

 

[PeteW]

Quite likely damaged a bearing. The rest should be O.K.

Pete

 

[greywolf]

Put a finger on the end of the axle and spin the wheel. If you feel a rumble, you'll need to replace the bearings. Are you sure you put #11 back in the right direction? The wider end is toward the sprocket carrier bearing and the narrower end toward the wheel bearing.

 

[ron47]

Ouch

Worst case, a crack in the swingarm? :yikes:

 

[greywolf]

No. Bearing damage is the only likelihood.

 

[bower100]

Because I've not done or seen this, I can't speak from experience but obviosly side thrust on these bearings is not desireable.
A couple things though:
The carrier ball bearing and the bearing on the wheels brake side will see that force. I believe the sprocket side wheel bearing would be uneffected as the carrier will "bottom out" against the wheels hub before that bearing see's any force. ("Course in the end if you decide to change bearings, all three would be a "no brainer").

I'm thinking the wheel assembly is gonna be compressed to the full torque you put on it *before* the axle nut simply bottoms out,.. runs out of threads on the axle. In plain words, the bearings saw the full effect of your tightening effort.

Then I'd ask, what value did you torque to and how did the wrench feel as you brought it up to that value? Not that you could actually feel damage being inflicted to the bearings, you wouldn't (unless they shattered). But I was wondering how the cast aluminum carrier and rim react to the compression force against each other. Does tightening the axle nut feel "mushy", very slowly reaching what you felt was tight? Or was it quick and 'solid' just as if the spacer had been in place?

Last,

Are you sure you put #11 back in the right direction? The wider end is toward the sprocket carrier bearing and the narrower end toward the wheel bearing.

The orientation of the spacer.... thinking it being two different OD's on each end, fitting it into the carrier bearing backwards it would be obviously loose. Even to the point of falling out as you attempted setting the carrier into the hub?

Dave

 

[greywolf]

The orientation of the spacer.... thinking it being two different OD's on each end, fitting it into the carrier bearing backwards it would be obviously loose. Even to the point of falling out as you attempted setting the carrier into the hub?

Believe me. It's been done, usually to the detriment of the wheel bearing.