I doubt that you actually scratched the race, and I doubt that you sanded the race out. It’s extremely hard steel. I suspect the mark was residue from whatever ran across it. Then again, the bearings are also extremely hard. But I suspect a mark (think of a magic marker) FROM the bearing, or something on it, not damage to the race.
Now let me talk out of the other side of my mouth. If you actually scratch or crack a race, it’s toast, it’s done, stick a fork in it. The bearing will fail very quickly. But if I already had it back together, I’d also take my chances, but I don’t have to rely on mine for transportation
It’s possible the hardness of the bearing scratched the axle housing. And, me too, I would also sand that down. Then, flush flush flush, with solvent (cheap) or brake cleaner (expensive) to get all the grit out.
And I’m proud that you took my advice on using a wooden dowel. The block of wood, of course, is just, really, a large dowel, one that isn’t round. And the circular motion! My work is done here…
I’m praying for you, Young Buck, I hope it works! Stuff you’re going through is how we all learned, years ago. Years and years ago, no videos, no websites, no take a picture and get an instant answer, prehistoric ages, and technology. You don’t realize the blessings that, in this great nation, the USA, you can go online and find anything you want.
(do you like how I slipped in “God bless the USA!)
Good luck!!
