LCGB Forums

What is the current consensus on rear hub bearings? I normally re-use originals, but I've exhausted my stock. What is recommended, and more importantly, what I should I avoid?

BGM, Casa, MB, Tutto/Stratos (RIV stamped), others?

Ive fitted a few Scootopia ones without issue. Have also removed a failed one with plastic ball cage, not sure but I think it was a Casa.

I have used the new double-row bearing from AF.

It is the best bearing I have used for the back hub. No play at all, even without the end plate fitted.

Read my Oily Rag article in the recent Jetset.

Knowledge wrote:I have used the new double-row bearing from AF.

It is the best bearing I have used for the back hub. No play at all, even without the end plate fitted.

Read my Oily Rag article in the recent Jetset.

That's what I'll be replacing the plastic caged MB one with this winter.

Thanks for recommendations. Do all MB ones have a plastic cage? Or was it just one particular version?

vegansydney wrote:Thanks for recommendations. Do all MB ones have a plastic cage? Or was it just one particular version?

I don't know whether MB have changed their product, but the plastic caged rear hub bearings are 'out there' as I have happened across two in other engines, which, of course, were substituted for other bearings (@ my own cost) as I have a conscience.

I doubt that I have missed any statement by MB, but for a manufacturer that thrives on his own publicity, especially given the opportunity to slag off other's products, I am rather surprised that there is not a very public announcement about this product whilst taking full responsibility for allowing them on to the market

+ 1

MB have changed to metal cage,but I dont know when they changed.

Knowledge wrote:I have used the new double-row bearing from AF.

It is the best bearing I have used for the back hub. No play at all, even without the end plate fitted.

Read my Oily Rag article in the recent Jetset.

Hi mate
Did you use the original bearing retaing plate or do you need a newer design from AF

cheers

Scootopia for me, good copies of the original RIV type, also used JBL Indian ones which have also been fine

dscscotty wrote:Scootopia for me, good copies of the original RIV type, also used JBL Indian ones which have also been fine

That's interesting about the Scootopia bearings. Other than avoiding the MB plastic caged efforts like the plague, there are one or two canny dealers that sell good used OEM Innocenti/Serveta ones, from time to time.

As is often the case, AFR is undoubtedly supplying a well engineered solution, but for the fact of the misalignment of rear to front. That may be of no significance, but I'd prefer to keep the wheels in line if possible.

I doubt that it concerns some of us, but as the AFR rear hub bearings are not the only 'solution' then they would not be my choice.

These deviations can all stack up & conspire to cause issues. We already accept compromise with certain tubeless rims & although the SIP are a good product (& centralise radially on the hubs rather rely on the shear strength of the M8 fasteners) they have an offset too, so should be used as a pair, front to back, IMHO.

So how do you check that your wheels are in-line?

Knowledge wrote:So how do you check that your wheels are in-line?

My procedure is for when just spare rims are fitted, though deflated tyres might allow the process

On some kind of stand, set the rear vertical, by packing one side. A really good spirit level is required. But I bet a Buzzwangle would do.....

Arrange the clamping of a pair of straight, metal sections to the rear rims. They should bring in to alignment the front wheel, which is fairly obvious.

Now, with your Buzzwangle, Ooops! I mean spirit level, check for vertical.

Go figure the results