How on earth does the Ariel type rear wheel fit into the B31 swingarm?
I have tried fitting the sprocket with stub axle first, fitting wheel with sprocket/stub axle then trying to get brake hub in and complete wheel at all angles.
I took it out so it must go back in but I just can't remember how I did it!
Ian
The sprocket stays bolted to the swinging arm via the stub axle. Tha hub bolts to the sprocket via 4 studs then spindle goes through the hub and into the stub axle. This as far asI remember.
Agreed, its a QD hub so you fit the sprocket and drive chain first do the drive side nut up but not fully as you will need to adjust the chain. Line up the 4 holes and lift the wheel in. Put the spindle in loosely without the spacer while you get it all sorted then put the spacer in, do the 4 nuts up, align the wheel/tension the chain and fully tighten,
I had a Golden Flash with Ariel hubs, I liked then.
Had another go at getting the wheel in by the prescribed method but still no joy, so I took a few measurements.
Basically the wheel/hub assembly is wider by approx 1/8", than the gap between the stubs axle end and the r/h swingarm.
The wheel was originally in this bike, I had a QD wheel fitted for a while but now want to return to standard (1957 ariel hubs).
I am now wondering if the swingarm has got 'pinched in' (measures 7" between inside ends) or I always had the wrong stub axle (the new washers I bought 42-6091 & 42-6078 don't fit!
Stub axle thread is 3/4", washers measure 0.698" internal dia.
Solved!!!
Well I now think I know what the issue is.
The wheel is an actual Ariel one, rather than a 'BSA' Ariel.
I was checking for measurements of parts online and found the 'BSA' Ariel wheel spacer that goes between the bearings 42-6085 should be 2.625" long, the one I have measures 2.428" which is about the size of the Ariel one 4226-56.
I guess the stub axle is longer (the extra 1/8") and why I can't get the hub past.
My solution is to make an extra 1/8" spacer, tack weld it to the bearing spacer and remove 1/8" from the stub axle end, this should retain the clamping for the bearing and give me the clearance I need.
Well done. I had a lot of trouble with a hub in which a previous owner had fitted a home made bearing spacer 1/8 longer. Is everything in the hub bearings etc pressed full home?
Quote from: limeyrob on 16 Sep, 2025, 12:33 Well done. I had a lot of trouble with a hub in which a previous owner had fitted a home made bearing spacer 1/8 longer. Is everything in the hub bearings etc pressed full home?
Yes, all bearings were pressed home.
Wheel now fitted and everything as it should be.
My problem was bearing spacer too short and stub axle too long.
Took a lot a measuring, a bit of brain ache and a little machining!