Rad Tapered Bearing Carrier -- 86 350X

[350Kris]

Decided to throw an old axle in my project 350X and get it up on wheels so I could make a list of things I need. I have a new Rad Tapered Bearing Carrier -- I noticed when the axle and all components were together that there seemed to be a little slop in the axle. The carrier's bearings (I know they're tapered) don't seem very tight. I also have a Rad Lock Nut that requires no torque. Does anyone have experience with this set-up?

Thanks.

[hrc200x]

Did the carrier come with a wave/spring washer? I have a magnum tapered 350x carrier (might even be made my RAD) and it came with one of those washers, it goes inbetween the disk hub and threaded collar that the two large nuts are on. Its meant to give the tapered bearings enough side pressure. From what I can remember of the instructions it said to tighten the axle nut till the axle gets hard to turn and back it off slowly till its easy to spin. Did you do all that and still have play? How does the surface on the axle where the bearings seat look? If its wore down there or has a ridge maybe thats where the play is comming from.

[350Kris]

Hmm....I'll have to take a closer look. I know the axle itself if pretty worn out. It might have some wear on the ridge. My Rad set-up didn't come with a wave/spring washer. The Rad locknut requires zero torque (basically, hand tighten) and then 7ft/lbs on the locking bolts.

[super90]

my rad carrier needs tightened ALOT. If you dont tighten mine with alot of force it comes loose. Where would you find a spring washer??? That would probably solve the problem with my bearings always being loose.

[hrc200x]

super, are yours tapered or double row bearings? If they are tapered the inner races will sort of wobble around behind the seal, and tightening them as much as possible would cause the axle to not turn. Spring washers only need to be used with tapered bearings, or i guess in Kris's case none at all. If you have normal bearings I agree, crank down the axle nut or it will come loose, loctite may help also.

[350Kris]

So what is the verdict on a tapered carrier? They claim to be superior over single/double row. Any thoughts? Why is it that they require no torque?

[super90]

My bearings are tapered. I guess they kind of just wear out after that many years. I put a spacer between the sprocket hub and that took all the play out. But notw its worn down again for some reason again.

[hrc200x]

I think tapered bearings are just supposed to handle side loads better. They require no real tension on them because they are like a wedge, the tighter you make the nut the more the bearings (which are shaped like a wedge) pull into the race causing it to bind up.