From:Steve Marks e-mail:steve@microdesign.ltd.uk
Subject:RE: RE: Rear wheel hub Date:Wed Nov 8 06:26:16 2006
Response to:1358
Correction needed here - 'From memory, the inner diameter of the bearing was correct for the wheel spindle'. Should read 'was correct for the axle quill'of course. The spindle then goes through the hollow axle quill. Well I did say 'From memory.....Steve

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The conversion consisted of two cups which were a press fit into the hub and were used to reduce the diameter of the 'hub' to take the smaller o/d of the roller bearing. Once the bearing was pressed into the cup, it was followed by a felt washer and thin shim washer all held in place by a circlip (snap ring in the US) machined in the cup. From memory, the inner diameter of the bearing was correct for the wheel spindle. In my case (1920 Model K) there were also some spacers which were needed on the spindle to fill the gaps between ends of axle quill and frame. When I did mine, probably eight or nine years ago now, I got the following parts from Bill Klein:
K819 axle quill
K8792 spacer
K8018 quill nut
K8019 quill locknut
K8006 adj lockwashers - 2 off
K818 conversion cups - 1 pair
K8010 hub snap rings - 2 off
K8009 dust washers - 4 off
Contact details tel 314-535-3818 or email wmgkle@swbell.net

In the end, I fitted modern day lip seals in place of the felt washers - needed to make a sleeve to correct the outside diameters. Have the dimensions of this sleeve in my files if you are interested but can't find any for the adaptor cups/bearings - and they're all assembled now - sorry! The photos might help. The one of the bearing cups shows, from left to right, original ball, taper as supplied, taper as modified to fit adaptor cup. I found that the new taper bearings would not press all the way home in the adaptor cup without grinding the chamfer as shown.
Hope this helps - Steve

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G'day from Australia


I am restoring a mid 20s Excelsior and I have a few problems!

The rear wheel hub cup and cone bearings are worn out, and I have been told that the factory made available a conversion to use tapered roller bearings. I understand that the same bearings also fitted the Hendersons.

I would appreciate it if someone could give me some measurements of the bearings so that I could modify my hub to take roller bearings.

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson