B25 Starfire front wheel bearings question.

[AltcarBob]

I want to replace my front wheel bearings they are size 6204 fairly standard size and cheap. My question is should I fit the original type bearings which didn't have shields or go for rubber sealed rs type. As far as I can tell the external dimensions will be exactly the same is there any downside to shielded bearings

[Spaceman]

It's best to go for sealed bearings to keep the grease in and everything else out - they work in exactly the same way as the standard bearings. If you go for double lipped bearings (seals on both sides), you can't re-grease them at a future date. In principle, you can re-grease single lipped bearings (seal on the outside). Personally, I would go for double lipped because it's unlikely you will need to re-grease the bearings.

[AltcarBob]

 Thanks I will order the double sealed bearings 

[AltcarBob]

Received my shiny new wheel bearings and cracked on with removing the old ones. I put all the parts on the bench as they come out of the hub and I realised I was missing the LH bearing dust cap part no 37-1481 thought I had mislaid it but it's definitely not there.

Is it a vital part as I am fitting bearings with double seals I hope not because it seems to be out of stock every site I could find on Google. If it is needed as a bearing spacer could I simply modify a repair washer as they look approximately the right thickness.

[AltcarBob]

Just spotted a similar bearing dust cap for a Triumph T100 hub part no 37-1237

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112919789383?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=3yrk-B-IS5-&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=Bzm2JMbPRXO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

as far as I have read the T100 hub is the same as fitted to the 1969 B25. Can anyone tell me if this part is compatible or even at a pinch can be filed to fit.

[Spaceman]

Although it is referred to as a dust cover, it is also designed to retain the LH bearing in place under the circlip. Without the dust cover, the bearing and hub could move sideways 3/16".

The BSA TLS hub was basically a copy of the Triumph TLS hub. Although the Triumph dust cover was part W1237 (37-1237), the corresponding BSA cover is actually listed as part 42-5820. However, as far as I can see, the parts should be interchangeable.

[AltcarBob]

Thanks Spaceman I will order the spacer fingers crossed it fits though the dimensions seem right at 1 and 3/4" external, 3/4" internal.