Replacing wheel bearings

[ChopperJeff]

I've purchased the two front wheel bearings but didn't realize that a special tool is needed to remove the existing ones. Is this something I can do myself, or should I just take the wheel to a qualified tech and let them do it?

In case it matters, it's for a 2005 Chopper.

Thanks!

 

[Raywood]

I've purchased the two front wheel bearings but didn't realize that a special tool is needed to remove the existing ones. Is this something I can do myself, or should I just take the wheel to a qualified tech and let them do it?

In case it matters, it's for a 2005 Chopper.

Thanks!

Come on Jeff, keep up with the times!!!

Pull your hubs off and take them and the bearings to your local automotive shop and have them press out the old and press in the new.
How many miles do you have on those bearings?
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/5895-how-change-frt-tire.html

 

[ChopperJeff]

Thanks Raywood... guess I was just trying to avoid a trip to the dealer. Always hate handing the dealer $100/hour to do stuff that I can do myself. However, it doesn't sound like it would take them more than a few minutes, huh?

I think my front bearings have about 20,000 miles on them. Hard to say as I had the front wheel replaced about a year and a half ago, give or take 6 months. Was replaced due to the stock one getting bent after leaning over too far going over a "lip" of new pavement on the freeway.

I'm also experiencing a front end oscillation of some kind that I'm trying to nail down. It's not a wobble though. It's more of an up and down jumping I feel in the handlebars that lasts for about a second, then goes away for about a second, then repeats. So far I've replaced the fork seals, and the front tire. And yes, I do use the dyna-beads. The dealer said that one of the front bearings was suspect, so I figured I'd give that a shot and see what happens.

Is there anything else you can think of that could cause this "bounciness"?

 

[Raywood]

Thanks Raywood... guess I was just trying to avoid a trip to the dealer. Always hate handing the dealer $100/hour to do stuff that I can do myself. However, it doesn't sound like it would take them more than a few minutes, huh?

I think my front bearings have about 20,000 miles on them. Hard to say as I had the front wheel replaced about a year and a half ago, give or take 6 months. Was replaced due to the stock one getting bent after leaning over too far going over a "lip" of new pavement on the freeway.

I'm also experiencing a front end oscillation of some kind that I'm trying to nail down. It's not a wobble though. It's more of an up and down jumping I feel in the handlebars that lasts for about a second, then goes away for about a second, then repeats. So far I've replaced the fork seals, and the front tire. And yes, I do use the dyna-beads. The dealer said that one of the front bearings was suspect, so I figured I'd give that a shot and see what happens.

Is there anything else you can think of that could cause this "bounciness"?

My tire caused a lot of vibration and bounciness when it was worn. I extended it life by filling it with the Dyno beads that I was sceptical about but now a firm believer.
Also, ensure your neck bearings/fall rate is set right.
After you take the hubs apart and you get the proper bearings just take down to your local automotive shop and they will press out the old ones and install the new ones for just a couple bucks.
Then you can put it all back together just like in my thread I posted.

Good luck,
Ray

 

[ChopperJeff]

Thanks Raywood!

I'm sure the neck bearings/fall rate need to be checked as it's been a while, so perhaps I'll do that next. Is there a "how-to" on doing these? I noticed the fork tube "how-to" describes taking it all apart, but I don't see where it talks about adjusting the fall-away.

 

[Raywood]

Thanks Raywood!

I'm sure the neck bearings/fall rate need to be checked as it's been a while, so perhaps I'll do that next. Is there a "how-to" on doing these? I noticed the fork tube "how-to" describes taking it all apart, but I don't see where it talks about adjusting the fall-away.

I'm getting ready to change out my races and bearings. Will do a "How-To" when I do it. Got the parts already just not ready to remove the front end with only a few more weeks of riding here in the beautiful NW.

 

[Moespeeds]

What type of bearings do we have in the front wheel? Are they Timkin or sealed?

 

[Raywood]

What type of bearings do we have in the front wheel? Are they Timkin or sealed?

Cheap Chinese sealed bearings. You see them in my "How To" on changing the front wheel linked in a post above.
They are about $5 a piece. Rated for 10,000 miles!

 

[busa2r]

Does anybody make quality wheel bearings to fit front & rear any part#s

 

[Raywood]

Does anybody make quality wheel bearings to fit front & rear any part#s

Yes, there is a long thread on here about buying better quality bearings. Do a search and you will find it. It will have part numbers and more. I think Timkens were about $25 a piece.

 

[Nomad2day]

Yes, there is a long thread on here about buying better quality bearings. Do a search and you will find it. It will have part numbers and more. I think Timkens were about $25 a piece.

Raywood is correct on another thread with everything in it.
I just did my neck, front and rear bearings.
The rear bearings for a sealed unit are Timken 205DD2.
The front bearings were a Bearings Limited 6204X3/4 2RS.
I ordered them through a bearing part house in town BDI I think.
Neil