Questions on inner spacer + bearings

[d3vi@nt]

I'm fitting a 5-spoke wheel off an '05 ST4s and have some questions/issues with reassembly.

Got the right side bearing in and it felt seated on the inner lip. Put the inner spacer in from the opposite open end and had a tough time with it as it wanted to hop out of place with each hammer strike. It got crooked a couple times and I had to back out the bearing a bit to realign the spacer properly. Here's where I have to assume that my technique sucks.

Regardless, now that I have both bearings in and the spacer is aligned properly, I'm not sure how it should feel and function. The bearings spin smoothly from the inner race so that seems good.

However, the inner spacer spins very rough and it take a bit of effort. I can wiggle it very slightly so the bearings are not tight against it.

Is the inner spacer supposed to spin freely and do I need to back out one of the bearings so it spins more freely? What happens when the axle is torqued to spec; will the load then cause the inner spacer to bind, or is that what's intended, meaning the spacer should not spin?  Just not sure how the spacer is supposed to work beyond keeping the bearings from moving too far inboard.

Thanks, as always.

[ducpainter]

The spacer is there to ensure you don't over sideload the bearings. It will spin with the inner races when all is torqued together.

Assuming the bearings you removed were the same dimensions as the ones you installed...Run it.

[Speeddog]

You can double check by putting the axle through, then sliding the spacer on.
Then a stack of washers or whatever, put the nut on and snug it up.
Basically mimic the assembled state.
If it will spin freely, you're set.

[d3vi@nt]

Thanks for the replies and info. Much appreciated.

I'll get them mounted up shortly and see how they spin.

Thanks again.