Should I replace wheel bearings every time I change a tire?

[badyellowvette]

Replaced my rear tire when I realized I can't spin my bearings by hand. Should I be able spin them with my fingers? Only have about 4500 miles on them since my last tire change. Does the force of the spacers against the centers of the bearings make the bearings spin when you tighten up the axle ? You would think they would last longer than 4500 miles. Bearings still feel tight on the axle. I was going to look for them at Napa so I can get this job over with. If I need them.

 

[chubs]

Replaced my rear tire when I realized I can't spin my bearings by hand. Should I be able spin them with my fingers? Only have about 4500 miles on them since my last tire change. Does the force of the spacers against the centers of the bearings make the bearings spin when you tighten up the axle ? You would think they would last longer than 4500 miles. Bearings still feel tight on the axle. I was going to look for them at Napa so I can get this job over with. If I need them.

I'd say they are past due to be changed !!

 

[BWG56]

To answer your question no, if you loosen the screws in one of hubs the bearing will spin, when the hubs are tight on the wheel there's slight pressure on the inner race's.
If the bearings are smooth no need to change them, but for the price some will change them anyway. I didn't

 

[Nukeranger]

Some replace them on each tire replacement. I don't but I do check for proper operation, no abnormal resistance when turning by hand, and no rust or intrusion of abnormal material.

So, now that I've said the above. I am getting ready to install a third back tire and will be replacing the bearing since I have over 16,000 miles on these bearings and why not while the wheel is off.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

To answer your question no, if you loosen the screws in one of hubs the bearing will spin, when the hubs are tight on the wheel there's slight pressure on the inner race's.
If the bearings are smooth no need to change them, but for the price some will change them anyway. I didn't

X2. They don't spin by hand when hubs are torqued to spec. Loosen the hubs and they will spin and thats when you can tell if they are junky.



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[badyellowvette]

Thanks for the replays. I think I will leave them alone for now, they sure look fine.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

If they don't spin freely, how much preload do they have built in.

I know we've gone over it didn't you call PM on it?

I think some might be too tight but honestly I don't have the tools to take any off so I have left it as is. I figure it works fine as is I'll just keep replacing bearings every tire change

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[Mr. Wright]

I've had to change them along side the road ONE time, I change them every time.
FYI, a milk crate, will not survive till you get the tire back on.

 

[BWG56]

I've had to change them along side the road ONE time, I change them every time.
FYI, a milk crate, will not survive till you get the tire back on.

This sounds like the one that got away

Ya just happened to carry bearings, the tools and a press with ya that day

 

[Mr. Wright]

This sounds like the one that got away

Ya just happened to carry bearings, the tools and a press with ya that day

No, we took it off, and rode on the back of another bike, holding the wheel, to a Harley dealer. And yes, when we travel, I carry a 15/16 socket.
the $60 for bearings is still better than the hassle, even if your only a couple miles from home.

 

[BWG56]

So the only thing ya really did on the side of the road was take the wheel off.

 

[SMCT]

Read through this http://bigdogbiker.com/threads/my-k9-coming-together.76600/page-2

 

[cdogg556]

Personally I changed my rears out at 10,000 mi and when I split the hubs apart the bearings were really rough, just changed the front at 20,000 mi and they were still fine, I replaced them with american made bearings so I think they will be fine for awhile.