On Mon, 25 May 2009 10:50:06 +0100, "Graham"
wrote:


"RonSonic" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 24 May 2009 21:50:44 +0100, "Graham"
wrote:


"landotter" wrote in message
...
On May 24, 2:41pm, "Graham"
wrote:
[Snip]
If it is possible to replace the bearings does anyone know where I could
get
hold of a set in the UK and how difficult the replacement job might be.
It
looks as though it would simply be - press the old ones out and the new
ones
in.

That's about it. Punch the old ones out from behind with whatever you
don't care about. I use an old screwdriver and a mallet. Then press in
the new ones with a block of wood and a hammer/mallet, making sure
that everything's even and flush. Just a couple minutes time. Grease
the outside of the bearing--as it's steel friction fit in alu--which
could otherwise chemically weld together.

Thanks landotter. All I now need to do is track down a supplier of the
required bearings unless of course they are a generic spec which I could
get from any bearing supplier. Anyone know what the generic equivalents
might be?

Most cartridge bearings are generic and are stamped with a number that a
bearing
house (most cities have one) can match up. Failing a legible number (it'll
be
stamped on an outer edge) they can almost always find an equivalent.

Thanks to all you guys who replied. I did as you suggested and eventually
found numbers on the old bearings. They turned out to be 2 x 6802-2RS and 2
x 6902-2RS which are indeed standard generic bearings and are readily
available here in the UK over the internet for £7 delivered. In that case
the wheel should be back on the road next weekend.

One of the wonders of this modern age. There's a lot to be said for handcrafts
and workmanship, but being able to replace a bearing anywhere on the planet
regardless of the product's origin is a beautiful thing.