I am rebuilding the wheels on my 1948 Rapide. I obtained Nilos Seals (H55/1) (presumably Nilos # 09074/09196 AV as Nilos uses the SKF numbers for their seal numbers) from VOC Spares for the front & rear wheel bearings . The bearing cone is marked W5413 (not 09074) and may well be the original SKF bearings. The only references I can find to W5413 are Vincent related and suggest it is superseded by SKF 09074 (cone) and 09196 (cup). Unfortunately, these seals are too shallow for the bearings and do not make contact with the races when flat against the cones, i.e. perhaps modern cups are slightly taller than the earlier bearings. I have carefully shimmed the bearings to .005 inch up-down play on the axle. The bearings are still good so I had not planned to replace them.
Alternatives:
1) Replace cones with modern and see if the Nilos seals will fit new cones with old cups. If cups are the problem, then this will not work. Anyone know?
2) Replace cones and cups. I didn't want to remove the old cups etc. as that can be a pain (and the expense).
3) Is there a modern regular grease seal that will work against the OD of the old bearing's inner cone section and fit tightly into the hub?
4) In another post (I have read a lot of posts) was mention of Speet brass seals but I do not know where to obtain them or cost.
5) Use the old ratty felts (no thanks).
I welcome any suggestions for me as to what to do for seals?
Thank you.
Alternatives:
1) Replace cones with modern and see if the Nilos seals will fit new cones with old cups. If cups are the problem, then this will not work. Anyone know?
2) Replace cones and cups. I didn't want to remove the old cups etc. as that can be a pain (and the expense).
3) Is there a modern regular grease seal that will work against the OD of the old bearing's inner cone section and fit tightly into the hub?
4) In another post (I have read a lot of posts) was mention of Speet brass seals but I do not know where to obtain them or cost.
5) Use the old ratty felts (no thanks).
I welcome any suggestions for me as to what to do for seals?
Thank you.