Rear wheel bearing replacement.

[metgotdog]

Hi all,

Need some help removing and replacement of my rear wheel bearings. FINALLY replaced the worn 300mm tire on my 2005 Pitbull. Belt side bearing seems kinda tight compared to the rotor side bearing. I assume that since I still have the wheel off the bike, this should be a good time to replace them.

Any advice would help. Pics would be a big help as well.


thanks in advance.

r/
Metgot Dog

 

[woodbutcher]

don't forget there is a third bearing inside the hubs. it's a good time to remove the hubs and do a deep cleaning. mark which hub goes on which side of the wheel and the orientation of how the hub is clocked to the valve stem, kinda helps keep the whole assembly balanced. when installing the new bearings, put the pressure on the outer race so you are not damaging the bearings.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Order your bearings from HDM, so you don't have to go through the hassle of finding a one inch bearing at the parts house. The number on the side of the bearing indicates the OD and width of the bearing. The number after the -, indicates the ID. That number is a 1.
I buy bearings from a bearing company, and they had a hard time finding a good 1in bearing. Eric has them in stock. You will need 3, and I also recommend changing them each time you change a tire.
www.bigdogpartskingpin.com

 

[metgotdog]

Got it, thanks guys! Didn't see that second bearing on the belt side. I was able to find the OEM set on Ebay (bigdogmortorcycleparts) for a decent price. NAPA was selling their bearings for about $60 ea. WTF.

 

[Coolbreezin]

Order your bearings from HDM, so you don't have to go through the hassle of finding a one inch bearing at the parts house. The number on the side of the bearing indicates the OD and width of the bearing. The number after the -, indicates the ID. That number is a 1.
I buy bearings from a bearing company, and they had a hard time finding a good 1in bearing. Eric has them in stock. You will need 3, and I also recommend changing them each time you change a tire.
www.bigdogpartskingpin.com

Great info. Thanks. You say to change the bearings with every tire. Why? Ive been told since 1980 when I first started driving that wheel bearings are designed to last forever. I never changed them on my three previous bikes and Ive never changed them on my 05 Ridgeback, 78000 miles.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Great info. Thanks. You say to change the bearings with every tire. Why? Ive been told since 1980 when I first started driving that wheel bearings are designed to last forever. I never changed them on my three previous bikes and Ive never changed them on my 05 Ridgeback, 78000 miles.

I had to change one along side the road one time. For what they cost, it worth it to me to change them out. It's not uncommon to find rough bearings with only a few thousand mile on them. Especially, when you ride them as hard as we do.

 

[metgotdog]

I agree. I just replaced my front tire. Since i had the wheel off the bike, might as well replace the bearings. Also replaced lower forks, bearings, bushings and oil. Noticed that one fork old oil volume was significantly less than the other. Really glad I decided the overhaul it.

 

[kickstart]

I know the OP question is old however I did a detailed post on changing wheel bearings 8-10 years ago, maybe it is still here in the archives.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

The issue these days is all the bearings are coming out of China, India etc so it is easier to change them at least when they don't feel good in the bore at a tire change or just change them every tire change for safety.

 

[Bvigr]

don't forget there is a third bearing inside the hubs. it's a good time to remove the hubs and do a deep cleaning. mark which hub goes on which side of the wheel and the orientation of how the hub is clocked to the valve stem, kinda helps keep the whole assembly balanced. when installing the new bearings, put the pressure on the outer race so you are not damaging the bearings.

Is it mandatory to remove the hubs or job can be done with a long drift? TY!

 

[HMAN]

Save urself some grief...

Orion Motor Tech Wheel Bearing Puller Tool Kit Compatible with Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Wheel Bearing Removal & Installation Tool for 3/4" 1" 25mm Bearings, 18pc Harley Wheel Bearing Tool

https://a.co/d/7m5o8BB

 

[Bvigr]

Save urself some grief...

Orion Motor Tech Wheel Bearing Puller Tool Kit Compatible with Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Wheel Bearing Removal & Installation Tool for 3/4" 1" 25mm Bearings, 18pc Harley Wheel Bearing Tool

https://a.co/d/7m5o8BB

Sounds good, but are you removing the hubs with this Bearing Puller?

 

[HMAN]

Sounds good, but are you removing the hubs with this Bearing Puller?

Ya dont hafta....easier if ya dont.