Front wheel bearing seals

[KJK]

I have decided to clean my front rim this weekend and repack the bearing while I have it off. I'm having some trouble getting the right side seal to come off in one piece. Also the bearing on the left side is proving to be just as difficult to remove. Anyone have a trick up their sleeve?

Kevin
1981 XS1100SH

[randy]

Kevin,

It's nearly impossible to remove the bearings without damaging them, so you might as well go ahead and get new ones. For the $30 or so you'll spend for all of the parts (seals included) it's worth the trouble to save the time and aggravation.

BTW, front bearing sets come up on e-bay all the time. Do a search for 'all balls'

[JWSanders]

Originally posted by randy
BTW, front bearing sets come up on e-bay all the time. Do a search for 'all balls'

Just don't Google that unless you want to see something very scary

[AKMac]

Yeah, you'll end up replacing the bearings. It's hard enough to get them out, let alone not damage them. I found the best way to get them out is to get a big punch and push the spacer all the way to one side. Hopefully this will give you enough room to get a smaller punch down there and destroy, I mean remove the bearing.