On my '29 Scout the "rear wheel bearing locking washer with tab to fit keyway" (#9 on page 40N of the R&O Manual) was previously bent down over the seal nut.  I know the steel locking washer on the front wheel is supposed to be bent over like this, but should it be bent on the rear wheel?

In the October 2016 WOW, Doug Strange wrote an article on wheel bearing adjustment.  In it he states "The rear wheel hub is a different beast.  It has no locking soft steel washer to ensure the bearing remains set."

So, should I bend the washer on the rear wheel bearing?

Thanks,

John

The ball bearing hub does not have a locking washer, every time the axle nut is loosened and chain is adjusted for instance, the bearing play has to be fine tuned with the thin locknut. It is very important to leave the bearings slightly loose to accomodate for expansion from heat buildup. First tighten to about 30 footpounds to seat the bearing, then loosen about a quarter turn or less, assembled you should by wiggling the top of the rim feel a small play, about 1/32" sideways.

With the Timken taper bearing hub there is a lock washer that can ensure that the bearing play remains set, if the washer is bent down properly over the seal nut. With the Timken the play at the top of the rim can be smaller than with the ball bearing but never fully tight or never larger play than 1/32".