In a message dated 5/20/16 4:16:27 PM, lplugw@hotmail.com writes:

That being said, I have sometimes wondered about the faith we put in that 1/8" thick bearing retainer plate we secure with four six mm diameter flathead screws. That seems like a weak link. Best not to think about it to much I decided.

...

...

You can rest easy. That thing is phenomenally strong.

...

...

You can rest easy. That thing is phenomenally strong. I've pressed apart dozens of uprights over the years. Normally with a

I've pressed apart dozens of uprights over the years. Normally with a little bit of lubrication, the axle presses out of the bearings with considerable force, but once it 'pops', it presses out reasonably well. (In some extreme cases I've had it literally fall out!). But one in particular sticks to mind--I had to press and press and press, and I started to get a bit alarmed. The axle had swollen/bearing had shrunk, and it was a serious interference fit. Spray lubrication, taps with a hammer, and profanity all did next to nothing. The press was almost bending, but I kept applying more force, as there was nothing else to do. Eventually, rather than the axle slipping out of the center of the bearing, the axle and bearing slowly came out of the hub carrier, bending and STRETCHING the retainer. It finally blew apart, but it took an enormous amount of effort. (Fortunately I always keep an extra pair of retainers on hand for just such contingencies). Point being, there is no conceivable amount of force that could be levied against that subsystem on the road that could ever see the bearing just falling out on its own. So at least that's one thing you can be assured of that won't fall apart. :>) Thanks to all for your answers to my initial query! Mike In a message dated 5/20/16 4:16:27 PM, lplugw@hotmail.com writes: That being said, I have sometimes wondered about the faith we put in that 1/8" thick bearing retainer plate we secure with four six mm diameter flathead screws. That seems like a weak link. Best not to think about it to much I decided. little bit of lubrication, the axle presses out of the bearings with considerable force, but once it 'pops', it presses out reasonably well. (In some extreme cases I've had it literally fall out!). But one in particular sticks to mind--I had to press and press and press, and I started to get a bit alarmed. The axle had swollen/bearing had shrunk, and it was a serious interference fit. Spray lubrication, taps with a hammer, and profanity all did next to nothing. The press was almost bending, but I kept applying more force, as there was nothing else to do. Eventually, rather than the axle slipping out of the center of the bearing, the axle and bearing slowly came out of the hub carrier, bending and STRETCHING the retainer. It finally blew apart, but it took an enormous amount of effort. (Fortunately I always keep an extra pair of retainers on hand for just such contingencies). Point being, there is no conceivable amount of force that could be levied against that subsystem on the road that could ever see the bearing just falling out on its own. So at least that's one thing you can be assured of that won't fall apart. :>) Thanks to all for your answers to my initial query! Mike