It is a 1978 Schwinn Traveler 3, original "Normandy" rear hub (reads Schwinn 'Approved' 36-78 Made in France).
The bearing cup has broken into four pieces that fell out. I just stuck them back in, reassembled it all and I'm riding on it (30-40 miles per day (50-65 km)). The wheel has a bit of lateral wiggle and increased drag, but neither is noticeable while riding.
This damage was likely caused when the axle broke and subsequently worsened when the temporary repairs failed. I got 165 and 120 miles (265 and 195 km) on the first two and the third is on the bike now. The new axle appears to have been lost in the mail.
A new wheel is $63, but the bike was valued at $75. I'm ordering a new bike, but I plan to ride this one for groceries, etc., until it fails completely.
It looks like there isn't any way to replace the bearing cup, so is this wheel (and bike) just 'totaled'?
The opening in the hub is 25.7 mm, so maybe a sealed bearing would fit, but I'm guessing I would need a different axle that likely doesn't come in the right size. Unless someone knows how to do this, I'm assuming it's not an option.
I'm considering trying to glue or epoxy the pieces to keep them from moving around, in the hopes of reducing wear a little and getting more miles.
Any better ideas?
Is there a chance of this failing catastrophically or am I just looking at wobbly grinding that will gradually increase until it's intolerable? I've been scared to go more than 4 or 5 miles from home.