Front wheel bearings

[Dark Horse]

Greetings XSives!

I've got a question for the wrench-heads in this forum.

What's the trick to removing the front wheel bearings so they can be checked and greased?

My shop manuals aren't much help.

Are there some special tools I need?

The manual says, "Move the spacer to access the outer bearing race and tap the bearing out with a drift pin".

Is this spacer the tube that fits between the left and right bearings? I can't get that to move more than 3/64".

I'm at a loss here. I'd appreciate any help you can give.

TIA!

Bob Udy

[Ken Talbot]

The spacer will move, Bob, but it will be tight the first time from years of being pressed from both sides. Slip something substantial (i.e. just about the diameter of the bore) like a cold chisel about 7/8 of the way down the spacer and and give it a good whack sideways on the top end. If the spacer doesn't move over, give it a harder whack. It will move.....

[Dark Horse]

Thanks Ken. I was in hope that you would reply.

Is there any risk of damage to the bearing when doing this?

I believe the bearings are in good shape and hope to avoid purchasing new ones.


When you say, "Slip something substantial (i.e. just about the diameter of the bore) like a cold chisel about 7/8 of the way down the spacer...", do you mean 7/8 of an inch or literally 7/8 down the length of the spacer?

Thanks for your response.

Bob Udy

[skids]

I wouldn't try to take them out unless you plan on replacing them. Once the races are damaged, the bearings will not roll around properly. You can try to use one of those needle greasers that attaches to your grease gun...

[Dark Horse]

I haven't planned on replacing them. They just looked like they needed some more grease. Maybe I'll try your suggestion first and check them again about mid-summer.

Thanks for your replay, Sid.

Maybe a poll of the rest of the group to see how many have changed or serviced their bearings is in order. Hmmmm. I'll have to think about that.


Ride Safe!

Bob

[Ken Talbot]

You want to get the cold chisel or whatever down to just about the far end of the spacer so when you whack it above, it will be pushing sideways against one end of the collar, not just in the middle. Actually, you might even be able to do this with the chisel just down past the top end of the spacer. The gist of it is you will need to generate a healthy sideways force on one end of the spacer to knock it loose. As Skids notes, you might want to have some new bearings on hand in case you screw up the bearings while removing them. Personally, I've never had real good luck in removing bearings without damage.

[randy]

Bob, you can replace the whole set, with seals for about $20.

[mason79]

i'm changing the front wheel bearings today and i am having the same problem, if i get too rough with the spacer tube will i compromise the assembly,

i just don't wont to take the idiot of the year award from randy,

i jst need to make it go sideways a little right? seems like it is a bearing itself help!!!

[mason79]

okay i got the spacer tube out
1) what is it's function?

2) there is a flange on one side it bent it a little does it need to be straight?

3) which way should it go?

thanks

[mason79]

okay no problem i looked at the book...

[randy]

Mason,,

You need the spacer tube to take the load between the bearings when you torque down the axle nut. The large ring on one end is there to keep the spacer tube from falling away whenever you remove the axle.

BTW,

Anyone who wants the idiot of the year award is welcome to it....

[mason79]

Originally posted by randy


BTW,

Anyone who wants the idiot of the year award is welcome to it.... [/B]

i don't think you can just give it away they have to win it right?

[fredintoon]

Bearing removal

Hi Dark Horse,
removing those bearings will most likely wreck them. New bearings are easily got and not unreasonably priced. But you can cheat. Like Skids sez, use a hypodermic needle attachment on your grease gun.
If your bearings have rubber seals, lift the seal lip with the needle, shove the needle into the race and pump away. If your bearings have metal shields, drill a teensy hole thru and stick the grease needle in there. Carefully check that the seperate outer grease seals are OK too.
Fred Hill, S'toon.