Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 851 / 888 > Rear wheel fitment - help ??

[Jools]

On my 888 there is no spacer on the LHS. I noticed this when Fordie and me changed the rear sprocket. I was expecting there to be a spacer just like the one on my ST, but there wasn't one. I was certain that nothing dropped off when we changed the sprocket but, just in case, we spent about 10 minutes looking all over the garage floor then decided that it didn't have a spacer in the first place.

When the wheel is back in place there is only about 2mm clearance between the sprocket bolts and the swingarm. However, I've asked loads of 888 owners and ex owners and this tiny clearance is normal (I still don't like it mind you).

Obviously, the sprocket bolts are seated in the cush drive. Could it be that the cush rubbers are seated a bit proud (or maybe the wrong ones) and the bolts are now fouling the swingarm - wouldn't take much to take up that 2mm or so clearance....only 2mm or so in fact.

[paynep]

You can't drive the bearings in too far - there is a shoulder in the wheel.

The bearings aren't sitting proud of the wheel are they, as you can get 17mm ID bearings in 12 and 14mm widths........?

[phil_h]

Tell us where you are jonesey, and there might be someone near that can take a look or let you look at their bike.

[Douglas851]

Do not leave the spacer between the swing arm and sprocket carrier out. It transfers the clamping load from the swingarm to the inner race of the sprocket carrier bearing. Without it the clamping load is going straight to the inner race of the wheel bearing. In other words without the spacer the sprocket is being held in line purely by the interference fit of the sprocket bearing.

[JONESEY]

Thanks for the replies guys. The spacer on the LHS is in place, taper facing in towards sprocket carrier. The long spacer between the two bearings is in place. On Douglas 851 pictures, the bearing is shown flush with the end of the hub. Comparing that to mine (see pictures) my bearings are approx. 4mm in the hub ?! Douglas851 - can you see the number on the bearings and let me know ? The bearings i have in are marked 6203 which is 40mm OD, 17mm ID and 12mm thick. However, a 62203 bearing is 40mm OD, 17mm ID and 16mm thick !! I'm assuming the dealer has read the nos. incorrectly and put a thinner bearing in, which causes the wheel to lock up. I've contacted the dealer to see if he still has the old bearings in the rubbish bin so i can check the numbers.........

[Iconic944ss]

Just had a quick look in the 888 manual I downloaded the other day; it mentions a spacer between the bearings but, I can only see a sleeve - looks very similar to my 900ss setup - I had this problem myself and has Nelly mentions it was becase I had the tapered spacer the wrong way around.

I'll try and add some screen shots

Frank