swingaxle tube end play

[bugfil]

Well, it didn't take long to run into another problem when installing the axles.
The axle and axle tube move freely in all positions within the flange but as soon as I install the upper inner axle bearing the axle doesn't rotate freely anymore. I expected it to possibly not move not quite as freely in the direction that's perpendicular to the orientation of the axle spade, meaning the direction the fulcrum plates allow the axle to move but it locks up in that direction as if the endplay is too tight. Also the axle won't rotate, with a vice grip on the axle end as a handle, when the axle is leaned out to the edge of the flange. This doesn't seem correct to me.
I am heating the reduction box bearing seat to around 200 degrees with a heat gun but I do have to tap firmly on the bearing to install it.
Am I doing something wrong? There doesn't seem to be much to do wrong here as the bearing is in or it's not. Any ideas?

[Eric&Barb]

Bore for the bearing should be a slip fit. Wonder if the bearing was made too big or if the bore is damaged. Probably the latter. Have had to hand machine those to fix them.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available!

[bugfil]

Thanks for the reply Eric&Barb. I got the bearings from Wolfsburg West. FAG brand made in Korea. They measure the same as the original German bearings I removed from the RGB’s. It looks like the bearings are 72mm or 2.834” and the bore is 71.84 or 2.829”. My measurements may be off and I’m not a machinist but .006 sounds like a very tight interference fit.
The bores in the boxes look good no damage visible on close inspection.
Does this fit have any effect on the axle not swinging or rotating correctly. I believe the axle should fit snugly in the bearing inner race and the bearing od should fit snugly in the RGB bore, which they do, even if a little tight. Is the binding and or non-rotating axle at big lean angles normal or is something out of wack or misassembled. Should the axle itself always rotate with the inner gears or should I expect it to bind at steep angles?

[Eric&Barb]

[BarryL]

Did you keep the axles push inward all the time from when you installed the fulcrum plates? If not it sounds like the fulcrum plates fell behind the spades.

[bugfil]

Thanks Barry, yes I did. I have the transmission on it's side with the axle running vertically. I thought the same thing you did so I pulled it back apart and double checked that the fulcrum plates were still in place and they were. It is apart right now as I contemplate what to do next.

[BarryL]

Kudos for not minding to backtrack. I sure hope you find it.