Hitchcocks Forum

Replacing the gearbox bearings with the sealed bearing kit. Got the cover off and replacing the smaller outer bearing looks straightforward. Took the chaincase inner cover off so I have access to the main sprocket. Where do I go next? I want to get at the larger bearing, so I assume the sprocket needs to come off (right or left handed thread on the nut?) Then do I need to take everthing out of the case to get replace the bearing? If so, how do I get the guts out of the gearbox - they appear to be held in by the selector and operating fork. Have read the manual, but am missing something.

Fairly sure it's all got to come out. There are articles in Tech notes (left hand of this page)on how to overhaul the Albion box.

got it out - thanks
may need some help getting everything back in

Advice for you.. Keep a careful note, serious,, of which part goes where and keep the parts/washers etc from the left side of the machine seperate from the right side... down the line you will say where the flip does this washer fit... 1.1/2" AF tube spanner to remove sprocket nut normal rh thread.

Keep the chain on untill you've loosened the main shaft nut LEFT HAND THREAD... then remove sprocket..

Place the gears between 3-4 false neutral and remove selector plunger.

Remove the stop plate 2-nuts but not the piller bolts, remove foot control short lever..

There may be a fixing screw for the inner case behind the stop plate covered in grease.Remove it now..
Refit the stop plate and nuts, the inner case can be removed with the operator shaft and ratchet gear as one unit, saves messing about later..

The gear operator (30) stays in the box, bolted from the back.. everthing else will come out.

The fork (26) comes out with the clusters...

Main shaft pulls out first with high gear pinion attached..

Then lay shaft and sleeve gear inc fork come out together.

Main shaft knocked back into box with nylon mallet.Then drift the bearing back into the box.

Remove the inner seals from the 2 bearings to be lubed by the gear oil..

Heat the case again and heres another tip. its a bugger to get the large bearing back in without burning your hand on the hot case so make up a drift which will hold the bearing square to the case. Wood is ok
just to get the bearing located in the case, Then use a metal drift and tap into place...

Not that bad really, just make lots of notes and keep parts together in polly bags if neccessary..

cheers gwilly

Typo.... Should read main shaft "sleeve" knocked back with mallet.

--------------digital camera as well to back-up those notes..

GWilly and Alan - thanks for the tips - the old bearing in the inner case was shot - hopefully the gearbox will be a bit smoother with the new bearings, and hopefully it won't keep leaking onto the exhaust bracket

Hi DEAN --------------- Just a thought but as you have used the sealed bearing kit you can now dispense with that "VEEDOL" grease and use oil instead....

Alan - you bet, glad to be done with that gunk
cheers

I would replace the layshaft bearings as well if the other bearings were shot .