Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Bsa bulletin board 67 Hornet front wheel bearings

Needed to replace the front wheel bearing on my 67 Hornet and the 1967 parts booked called for # 41-6016 and Baxter’s, Steadfast and Classic British Spares all showed unsealed bearings. So, I ordered a pair thinking that’s what’s in there. When I went to remove the bearings they were sealed so there are no “oil retainers” for the unsealed bearings. I went back to the 67 parts book and the picture showed sealed bearings which I didn't notice before. My 66 parts book shows unsealed bearings with the oil retainers.

How important are these oil retainers as the bike will be seldom ridden and only on short rides?

Thanks

I'm answering my own question after taking a closer look, if the oil retainers are not used, grease will come out around the middle of the lock ring around the spindle shaft.. Would make a bit of a mess.

G

There isn't any grease retainers on the '67 single-sided brake (Hornet) They were discontinued in '67 when sealed bearings were utilized. Also, the locking rings on both sides were changed in '67.

Grease retainers are needed on unsealed bearings.

If using grease retainers on the '67, then the '66 locking rings need to also be utilized.