"The bearings could just be taken out with your fingers." Hello Brian
At this point I would suggest that some parts are missing from your wheel assemblies. I have Cleveland books at my hanger and if you can give me the exact Cleveland part numbers, I can tell you what is missing. Each of my axles has two spacers, one on the extreme inside next to the shoulder of the axle and one next to the axle nut. In-between are usually bearings, cups and grease seals. Some models are held together with snap rings, and others are not. Orma Southfield, MI KR-2 N110LR 1984 See Tweety at http://www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com See other KR specs at www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com/krinfo.htm