\ The only way I can figure to "fix" >this is to also space the caliper out along with a thicker (7/16") spacer. >Any ideas? >Mark Langford, Huntsville, Alabama ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark, My first thought is to find a suitable disposal site for the wheel covers and mount the wheels/ brakes in normal fashion. You need the end of the axle exposed to mount any wheel pant mounting bracket to the end of the axle. Is the axle pre-drilled / tapped with a 3/16" or 1/4" hole. If it is a hollow axle, threaded on the end, then you will need a nut/cap on the end to mount as the Cessna does. My 6:00X6's had the hollow axle, my 500X5's have the solid end with the hole. Some Cleveland wheel assemblies require the spacers on the back side of the wheel (maybe front side also) to get the disc and brake assemblies to line up properly. With all the right components, it should just slip right together. All Cleveland wheel assemblies that I've worked on have used the clip ring to hold the bearings in place. It is easily removed using a small flat blade screwdriver. One end of the ring has a notch that allows you to pull it out of the slot. The bearing race can be removed by spliting the wheel assembly and driving it out from the back side. I used a 1/4" punch and slowly worked around the race a bit at a time. Be careful not to damage the wheel although a few scratches should not be a problem. To install the new race, get it seated squarely in the wheel, place the old race on top of the new race with the same orientation as it came out of the wheel (thick side down) and using a block of wood or something that covers the entire race, gently tap the new race back in to the wheel assembly. To repack bearing by hand, place some grease in the palm of one hand and, using a "swiping motion", pull a short section of the bearing through the grease down to and then off the palm of your hand. This motion will push the grease up through the bearing and out the top side. Slowly rotate the bearing, filling a short section at a time, until the entire bearing is packed. This can be messy so I'd suggest rubber gloves for easier cleanup. Using this method will allow you to repack a bearing faster than you can mount the bearing repack tools. If you'd like a can show you how it's done at the Gathering. As always, your results may vary.
