I sleeved the axle non-drive side bearing with 0.05mm (0.002") brass shim sheet. It fits nicely now. It may have been possible to fit a very slightly thicker sheet, but the next size up I have is 0.076mm (0.003") which was too thick. The shim washers fit over and I'm able to put the circlip on.
I've replaced the axle bearing with a SKF 61902-2RS1. However the factory bearing is a C&U brand 61902RS, which from what I can find is a respectable name-brand Chinese bearing company.
Also looking at the metal gear I'll be fitting... The ball bearing is too loose in the gear for my liking, I can slide it in and out by hand. The bearing outer race is able to spin inside the gear (the original plastic gear isn't great either). I'll apply Loctite 641 to this, it's a medium strength removable retaining compound. The other popular compound 648 seems like overkill and may be impossible to remove in the future if the need arises. The roller clutch bearing was dry and I've applied SKF LGMT 2 grease to that.
I guess I could just use the retaining compound on the axle too, but the bearing fit is very loose and I think it will be difficult to align it correctly. I may put some only under the sleeve instead to hold that onto the shaft.
I've replaced the axle bearing with a SKF 61902-2RS1. However the factory bearing is a C&U brand 61902RS, which from what I can find is a respectable name-brand Chinese bearing company.
Also looking at the metal gear I'll be fitting... The ball bearing is too loose in the gear for my liking, I can slide it in and out by hand. The bearing outer race is able to spin inside the gear (the original plastic gear isn't great either). I'll apply Loctite 641 to this, it's a medium strength removable retaining compound. The other popular compound 648 seems like overkill and may be impossible to remove in the future if the need arises. The roller clutch bearing was dry and I've applied SKF LGMT 2 grease to that.
I guess I could just use the retaining compound on the axle too, but the bearing fit is very loose and I think it will be difficult to align it correctly. I may put some only under the sleeve instead to hold that onto the shaft.