Best options for fixing this

[minimutly]

What takes the axial load?

From the top.
Tapered roller, timken number
Big gap
Flat thrust bearing, unknown number
Needle roller, unknown number
That's it

So the needle roller is critical, in fact they all are. The tension on the timken is st by a tabbed nut, which is hand tight - no spacer tube. I think this is a bit pants myself, but it seems to work.

 

[Brad93]

Probably a stack of bearings above those ones. My TOS is exactly the same.

Yes must be a set of taper roller bearings or double angular contact bearings.

 

[Pete.]

Yes must be a set of taper roller bearings or double angular contact bearings.

Mine has what must be a stupid-expensive double radial bearing with a tapered inner race at the bottom, above it there are two large thrust bearings and at the top on the pulley hub a pair of ordinary deep groove bearings (not in this pic).

 

[Brad93]

Mine has what must be a stupid-expensive double radial bearing with a tapered inner race at the bottom, above it there are two large thrust bearings and at the top on the pulley hub a pair of ordinary deep groove bearings (not in this pic).

View attachment 327084

I bet that runs sweet as a nut

 

[minimutly]

So to update this, taken from my Town Woodhouse build, the mystery of adjustable needle roller bearings is revealed.

And the close in pic (quill shaft on its side)

So by screwing in No1, you compress the outside of the needle bearing, which closes its clearance. Magic bearings!