The International Cessna^® 170 Association

While completing my annual I pulled the tailwheel and checked the bearings & race's. Although there was, and always have been, adequate lubercation/grease, I discovered the races have rough areas that match the rollers in the bearings, especially on about 50% of the race and the bearings themselves are in need of replacement. I was told that even with adequate lubercation that moisture can accumulate on the bearings & races and cause corrosion. Don't know if that is true or not. Now a question for you mechanical guru's. When removing the bearing races, I discovered that there is a ring (?) or spacer just outboard of the race. ie: When the race is removed, there is a spacer (?) that sits outboard of the race itself. What is the purpose of this item? I can't find an expanded view of the bearings/races that is large enough to see and identify that item. Timken bearings & races are next to impossible to locate on Saturdays Seems I will have to get the bearings P# A4050 & races P# 4138 from a bearing supply house. (Just have to be sure to NOT tell them what they are for or most won't sell them to me ) Don't know what the part number for the spacer/ring mentioned above.

I recently went to install my "spare " tail wheel assembly and tire , as the tire was needing replacement.
I found the wheel bearing / washer and grease retainer set up totally different from my "new " replacement.

I called Alaskan Bush Wheels , they were very helpful , they tolf me they have changed the grease retainer part , ( and numbers ) but have not updated the manuals or web site.

Make a long story short , they have a very inproved grease retainer for the wheel bearings and the bearing for the tail wheel pivot. He told me the old setup only "retained the dirt and water in the bearing races !

If they have changed the part but not the documentation or manuals.... I wonder.... what is their approval basis?

They did ship me a small booklet withall there products which does have a up to date parts diagram,
and part numbers. There internet site was incorrect about 2 weeks ago.