As long as you use the proper size and number of balls, you don't need the retainer. I replace caged bearings with loose bearings as a routine procedure when doing overhauls. The space taken up by the retainer usually reduces the number of balls used, so you get more bearing surface by using loose balls, which I think makes the operation smoother. You should probably replace the bearings on both sides at the same time with loose balls, though.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
> After disassembly I found the right crank bearing retainer
> trashed...undoubtedly a source of my BB problems. I'm thinking of just
replacing with balls
> sans retainer. Is it a good idea to run without the ball-bearing in the
> bottom-bracket?
>
> Jack Romans
> Sacramento, CA