250 BigRed Front hub problem

[Hair Bear Bunch]

Hi All,
I've got a problem with the front hub on my '85 Br. Trying to change a tyre, removed the four bolts on the right fork, and removed the clamp. Unscrewing the axle from the left fork was very very stiff. Eventually got it off, but can't remove the brake panel from the axle. The axle is locked solid into a brass sleeve. It would appear that to unscrew the axle I'd been turning the brass sleeve in the brake panel rather than the axle in the sleeve.
Had this problem once before, had a real game getting the axle out, cleaned it all up and rebuilt it. Didn't grease it incase the grease got into the brakes. Before I reassemble this time, can anybody recommend a way of preventing this again? Am I wanting 'copperslip' grease perhaps, or am I missing a step somewhere?
Any help greatly appreciated, Rob.
Edited to say; Clymer manual, P266, para 2, Axle to be clean and free from grease.
also appears to be missing spacer, item1, fig20, p272.

[Dirtcrasher]

Screw Clymer, I put grease on every single bolt I reinstall. Especially the front axle, just a light coat of Bel Ray waterproof grease is all it takes to prevent seizure.

[Hair Bear Bunch]

Thanks, I like that sort of confidence! Once I've beaten the pigs backside out of it to get it out again I'll grease all with abandon.
So, at your request, I'll 'try not to ruin anymore ATC's'!
Rob.

[Dirtcrasher]

Thanks, I like that sort of confidence! Once I've beaten the pigs backside out of it to get it out again I'll grease all with abandon.
So, at your request, I'll 'try not to ruin anymore ATC's'!
Rob.


Thanks BUD!! Yeah, I can understand your concern with the brake drum. Just like in auto's the pivot points need grease but they heat up and if there is too much on there they can drip/bleed into the shoes which is not good to say the least. As long as you just lightly grease it, it won't lock up or get on your brake shoes.

I had an SX housing that did the same thing, that beyatch was locked up BAD. I had to bolt it down on a milling machine and bore it out to save it.

I can't believe CLYMER says no grease? thats crazy!! everything needs a coating of something to protect it!!

[Hair Bear Bunch]

Well, I got it apart! Trapped the axle between the prongs on the forklift, then one huge copper mallet later and it's apart. No apparent damage either.
This time it WILL be greased before reassembly!
Thanks.

[Mr.Jake]

i'd use anti-sieze, its meant for your problem, prevents siezing.

[Hair Bear Bunch]

Thanks guys,
So now I'm reassembling the hub. There is a spacer tube between the bearings, this has a collar at each end. The collars broke up when the bearings failed, so I'm wondering if the they are there simply to locate the spacer tube when you slide the bolt in, and a large washer each end would do the trick, or are they more complicated?
Thanks.