Cleaned up any flash remaining on my wheels -per supplemental instruction sheet. Mounted the brake drums (using the upgraded machined drums) , tubes and tires; inflated to 40lbs/inch.
Packed wheel bearings. Placed the wheel spacer upon the axles. Noted that although the races appeared well seated they left the bearing cap sl. proud of the cup. This caused the brake drum to not seat well enough against the backing plate- see picture one. I am aware that the backing plate is not to sit absolutely flush against the drum but this was just too much.
Decided to pass on another attempt to contact Sonex Tech Support and posted an inquiry on the Sonex Web List. Had serveral replies within the hour.
Took the advice of a more senior builder. I should have figured this out for myself but sometimes you just lose site of the obvious. He suggested, and I did, placing a large bolt/washer/nut through the wheel and torquing them together in an effort to seat the bearing. This was simple and worked very well; although I am sure I have a new hernia (or worse) from doing so. Problem solved.
