98 blaster front knuckle sleeve/ spacer ?

[BlasterPlumb]

Hello, I am going through the brakes on my 98 .one side has a sleeve/ spacer on the spindle . Is this necessary? Or will it be fine without it. Never noticed it was missing , and have done a lot of riding on it like that . Pics attached below, thanks for the help!

 

[Awk08]

It's been quite a while since I fooled with the stock drum brakes, but he stock diagram does indeed show a spacer between the 2 bearings, part #5
similar to the spacer between the 2 bearings in the rear axle housing, it keeps the center race from being forced in too far when tightening the nut

https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-yamaha-blaster-200-yfs200n/o/m145851#sch105378

 

[Slydog]

It's to keep side load off inner races when nut is tightened

 

[BlasterPlumb]

Thanks for the knowledge!