OLD school bike bearing question

[Nvreloader]

I finally got all the parts required to change over to the suspension fork, I think,
and up jumped this problem.

I am changing out the front axle to a solid axle (No front skewer type as before),
the new axle set set came with 7-1/4" and 7- 3/16" caged bearing sets,
the OEM original front bearings are 11 loose ball bearings in 3/16" size,
in this Formal Brand 26" x 36 spoke hub.

The cone bearing race has a slightly different profile,
than the OEM profile cone bearings.

Can I still use the 11- 3/16" bearings in place of the caged bearing sets,
with this new solid axle?
I know the loose 3/16" bearings fit the front hub,
unsure about the caged bearing sets?
Your thoughts and suggestions,
Tia

 

[PCeBiker]

I'm guessing that you should be fine with either bearings.
I personally would rather have 11 ball bearings supporting the wheel than seven, but the cages are easier to install.

The differently sized ball bearings will seat themselves on different contact points between the cups and cones, but that shouldn't matter because you adjust the clearance when install the bearings, and you've also got brand new cups and cones, so they haven't been worn in/seated yet.

However,.. It's possible that the balls might try to seat themselves somewhere where they're not supposed to be running, if they are too small or too big.

Try assembling the 11 loose bearing loosely, without grease, and see how the cups, cones, and balls line up with each other, then compare it to the caged set.

You should be able to tell by look and feel, if it will work will either bearings.