Topic: What is the purpose of the tabs on this axle collar?

[JBMorse]

71 CB500.  I was replacing wheel bearings last week, and got stuck on something so I haven't put it all back together yet.  Where do the tabs go on the collar, part 11 on this fiche?  I assume they were meant to align the collar inside the rear hub, but where do they meet the face of the bearings?
My thoughts were that the tabs held on to the race of the original, unsealed bearings. They seem to dig right into the seals on the new double-sealed bearings I'm using.  Is this okay?  Or should I bend the tabs back?   
Thanks!

[Jordan]

I am not sure but I just replaced my bearings and was wondering the same thing. I did note that they are quite soft as far as bending and appear to me to only help to keep the collar in place until the axle is installed. The larger bearing I took out was sealed on both sides and the tabs had been bent over. I do not think they should have been as I also noted that the tip when bent over was actually contacting the axle and had left a fine score line on it. While the one on the front axle is equal in size the one in the rear has a wider side and smaller one. It would make sense that the wider tabs go against the wider bearing. But again as the bearings are resistance fit and sit on a lip these tabs do not actually seem to support anything.     edited my spelling bad last night

[BobbyR]

The tabs are there to center the collar to help you slide the axle in and out. When you drive the bearing out for replacement you have to bend them down. Some people take the time to straighten them properly and some don't. 

[Laminar]

On the front wheel, the tabs just help keep the spacer centered in the bore until you get the axle in.