70s Bike Restoration, ball bearings question

[iamrcb]

I'm restoring an old Carlton Corsa bike, I've stripped it down to the very last piece and noticed that some of the ball bearings on the forks, pedals etc did not seem to be 'full', as in there is room for 10 and there was only 9 in there.

Should these contain the maximum number of ball bearings sat in the bearing cup (while still moving freely) or should there be some 'gap'?

[Justin S]

Usually they are packed with room for one more bearing, but its not really needed. Choice is yours as to whether you want to put another one in. More bearings, in a way is more resistance, but spreads the pedal, hub loads.

[iamrcb]

Thanks

I've measured the ball bearings I've taken out with a digital caliper; three sizes:

3.91mm = 0.154 inches = 5/32 inch
6.31mm = 0.248 inches = 1/4 inch
3.94mm = 0.155 inches = 5/32 inch

Edited by iamrcb on Sunday 9th September 21:03

[Justin S]

Yep, they sound about correct in old school money.

[daz3210]

Bottom bracket on my old 19080's Puch was 1/4 inch.

Headset had a ballrace in, which is now obsolete. LBS sold me some 4mm bearings to sit in there. Just put plenty of grease on and stick the bearings in it.

I think the BB had 11 from memory, and headset took about 25 to 30, I counted the BB when taking apart, and went for same number. Headset was a guess, since I had nothing to really reference from.