https://picasaweb.google.com/tinytimbach/MareaRearHub?authkey=Gv1sRgCIbhjrLg-LbCgAE

The pix shows a new "Firstline" rear wheel hub and bearing for a Marea JTD with drum brakes.
I have done this before and usually just put some grease in and then push the bearing race (shown perched on the left) in so that the ball bearings sit nicely in the groove/channel seen on the bearing race and then fit the whole thing on the axle.
However I cannot get the bearing race to fit into the bearing, the hardened edge seen in the photo simply jams up against the bearing and despite considerable force will not push inside the bearing.
I am reluctant to use a lot of force using a hydraulic ram or tighten the nut hard for fear of damaging the ball bearings.
There is presumably a simple answer to this that I am overlooking; incidentally I bought 2 of these and they have the same problem.
Any ideas anyone?

shouldnt they come pre greased and sealed?

I have to agree with dave this should be a non serviceable sealed bearing ?? if you've pulled it apart then its knackered ?

hi, they should fit back together easily.

Guessing, as you took the plastic retaining bit out the middle, it pulled half the sleeve out too.

You need to move the bearing race of balls very slightly in/up towards the middle to loosen them - take care that they stay in place and dont fall out. Also make sure you dont remove grease from the assembly. The other sleeve should then wiggle without force into place - pushing the bearings back in as it does it. Take time and gentle - certainly no force.
Good luck - my first replacement bearing was a dud and overheated and grease got out, thankfully shop replaced foc.

The whole assembly should slide easily over the stub axle btw.
cheers
peter

1. This was exactly how they arrived. I didn't pull them apart
2. I always put a little extra grease in these bearings


Thanks John2, this was my initial thought also and tried this to no avail, but will try again especially pushing the bearings slightly outboard to give it more room....

failing that I will return them

Fixed!
By pushing the ring of ball bearings outwards a few mm the outer bearing race slipped in nicely; the problem was when the bearing is pushed inwards it tightens and prevents the race being inserted.
I think "Firstline" do this so that extra grease can be put in the bearing prior to assembly as there wasn't much grease in either hub..
thanks to John2....