phil_b

My old 1967 Schwinn Racer (Sturmney Archer 3-speed hub) has a broken front axle, and one of the bearing holders (the clawed thingy that holds the ball bearings) also is damaged.
I checked the usual source for replacement parts:

https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/sturm...tml#smallparts

but all I see are parts for the rear axle.
Will the rear axle work in the front wheel hub? My broken front axle doesn't have the pinion that is found on the rear axle.
And is the bearing holder assembly interchangeable between the front and rear hubs?

Any thoughts on how to proceed?

Phil

Sci-Fi

Just go to your local LBS with your wheel and more than likely they'll have what you need or can order the parts for you. Shouldn't cost that much unless you need a new hub. Hard to say over the net. Post some pictures.

HillRider

Mosr front axles are both shorter and smaller in diameter than rear axles so they don't interchange. On modern bikes front axles are typically 9 mm x 1.0 mm x 111 mm long and rears are 10 mm x 1.0 x 131 mm to 147 mm long depending on the OLD of the hub.

Your Schwinn may have "inch" spec threads and if your hub is nutted and takes a 3/8" diameter axle, here is a possible replacement:

https://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...d=999911325785

The "clawed thingy" is a bearing retainer and is not needed. Manufacturers use them for ease of assembly but they aren't at all necessary. Take a couple of the balls to a bike shop and get replacements in the right size. Get one or two more per side than you found since the race will hold a couple of more without the retainer.