I'm at it again.

[Rdnekguy]

I am taking on a project again and of course nothing I do can be easy. I am putting a 16" wheel from a softail on the Street Bob. I have run into one problem after another with this thing but nothing show stopping, just annoying. So here is the question.....

How much load does the spacer in between the wheel bearings hold or does the wheel ride only on the bearings themselves?

I am not a builder by any means and while I am great at concept the execution of my evil plans proves to be a task for someone else. :evil:

[Blackpearlultra]

In my opinion the spacers main job is to center the wheel. The work is done between the axle and the bearing. There would be a certain amount of side load against the spacer when turning and on un-even ground. Why do you ask?

[Rdnekguy]

Well I had considered not using a spacer. However, a fellow employee who I respect in reference to technical things made a good point. Therefore due to the side load issues I will need the spacer. But I am looking at the affect on boring out the center of the wheel hub to accomidate the larger diameter axle and spacer. If you engineering or physics guys need the long stoy PM me. I am curious to see how much material can be removed before it is too much and cause a potential problem

[Blackpearlultra]

That is a very touchy thing you are contemplating. I am not an engineer but I would think if anything you would turn the axel down since it is solid and make up some bushings for your fork mounts. But in my opinion you need expert advice on that, the last thing you want is your front end collapsing!! Let us know what you come up with.