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REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:37 am
by TJCOOL
hi
going to be removing the wheel bearings soon but was wondering if one really needs to acquire a bearing removal tool OR if there is another way to do it with current stock of tools...I have a drift to use but for example, the front wheel, it's all connected together and from the parts manual looks ez enough to part but I can't see where I begin or how to separate al the bits..
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:16 am
by Jimroid
Slide axle out. With a long drift push bearing spacer off to side a little bit so you can catch the inner race of opposite bearing with the drift. In small EVEN increments tap on drift with hammer until it is completely out. Remove spacer and remove other bearing from now cleared out side. You can press new ones in(preferred) or gently and evenly use the hammer/ drift. Use a brass drift about 1/2" diameter if possible.DON'T forget the spacer!
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:00 am
by TJCOOL
Jimroid wrote:Slide axle out. With a long drift push bearing spacer off to side a little bit so you can catch the inner race of opposite bearing with the drift. In small EVEN increments tap on drift with hammer until it is completely out. Remove spacer and remove other bearing from now cleared out side. You can press new ones in(preferred) or gently and evenly use the hammer/ drift. Use a brass drift about 1/2" diameter if possible.DON'T forget the spacer!
that will work for back but what about the front tire? I look at the speedo spindle thing and wonder how this comes off? I don't want to force anything...I see how everything fits but my front axle DOES NOT slide out...is it suppose too?...it's getting the speedo gear off that parts of the trouble..
I'll take another look see and follow your instructions..
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:16 am
by Jimroid
Remove axle nut first and then loosen two pinch bolts on other fork leg. Tap axle with mallet in direction of pinch bolt leg. Speedo drive is simply driven by two lugs and will drop away.
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:39 am
by TJCOOL
Jimroid wrote:Remove axle nut first and then loosen two pinch bolts on other fork leg. Tap axle with mallet in direction of pinch bolt leg. Speedo drive is simply driven by two lugs and will drop away.
acknowledged...will give that a try tonight..thanks
TJ
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 6:11 am
by TJCOOL
BTW..which make of bearings should I consider using for front and rear?..direct fit no mucking about...
tj
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 6:51 am
by akendall1966
Bearings are generally standard sizes across all makes so you shouldn't have fitment issue, you can normally go to a bearing factor web site enter ID / OD / width and search for the bearing number.
Here is a guide on how tp measure your bearings:
http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Info-P ... index.html
If your in luck its marked on the bearing casing and will still be legible, so you can get the number.
Pay attention to seals (get the same as what comes) out and clearance spec standard clearance should be OK.
Personally I always use budget non-branded bearing for wheels that have a fairly harsh life with brake dust / water ingress / limited lubrication. They are half the price of branded and easy to change, if your planning long trips away or a daily rider buying branded give a little extra peace of mind.
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 7:00 am
by TJCOOL
akendall1966 wrote:Bearings are generally standard sizes across all makes so you shouldn't have fitment issue, you can normally go to a bearing factor web site enter ID / OD / width and search for the bearing number.
Here is a guide on how tp measure your bearings:
http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Info-P ... index.html
If your in luck its marked on the bearing casing and will still be legible, so you can get the number.
Pay attention to seals (get the same as what comes) out and clearance spec standard clearance should be OK.
Personally I always use budget non-branded bearing for wheels that have a fairly harsh life with brake dust / water ingress / limited lubrication. They are half the price of branded and easy to change, if your planning long trips away or a daily rider buying branded give a little extra peace of mind.
got it..I'll have a look see a the link...the bike will be driven on weekends mostly....maybe the occasional ride to work..I imagine these bearings are still the originals...
tj
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2016 2:56 pm
by oldjapanesebikes
You may find that the original bearings are fine - just need a good wash to remove the old grease, and then re-grease them - assuming you don't damage them during removal. The only trick is to use a narrow tip grease gun or a bearing packer to ensure the bearing is well packed with grease after cleaning.
If you want to go cheap on replacements - check out the prices at Princess Auto over on Ages Drive in Ottawa.

Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 5:04 am
by TJCOOL
oldjapanesebikes wrote:You may find that the original bearings are fine - just need a good wash to remove the old grease, and then re-grease them - assuming you don't damage them during removal. The only trick is to use a narrow tip grease gun or a bearing packer to ensure the bearing is well packed with grease after cleaning.
If you want to go cheap on replacements - check out the prices at Princess Auto over on Ages Drive in Ottawa.

PA in Ottawa?..they carry bearings for the bike?..guess they must be a generic size..
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 9:05 am
by oldjapanesebikes
TJCOOL wrote:.they carry bearings for the bike?..guess they must be a generic size..
The part number shows as 08123-63027, so that would make them 6302's. Many of the bearings in these are 'generic' in the sense they conform to industry standard sizing, so the fit should be the same. The quality varies of course - I'll take an SKF or KOYO over a no-name Chinese bearing any day of the week, but if it is only going to get light usage then the choice is yours.
As offered - you may find that with some fresh grease the original bearing is fine if it isn't damaged during removal.

Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 9:15 am
by TJCOOL
oldjapanesebikes wrote:TJCOOL wrote:.they carry bearings for the bike?..guess they must be a generic size..
The part number shows as 08123-63027, so that would make them 6302's. Many of the bearings in these are 'generic' in the sense they conform to industry standard sizing, so the fit should be the same. The quality varies of course - I'll take an SKF or KOYO over a no-name Chinese bearing any day of the week, but if it is only going to get light usage then the choice is yours.
As offered - you may find that with some fresh grease the original bearing is fine if it isn't damaged during removal.

I have so far not really spared any expense getting parts I needed or just wanted to update...so I will have a look a the bearings, I imagine they are rather tough, and see if I can re-use them...or replace..bearings don't seem to be too expensive..putting new tapered bearings in steering stem..so you recommend koyo or skf eh?..who knows I may even ride the bike more than think..head down to some over the vrra races and show off bike...
Re: REMOVING WHEEL BEARINGS
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 9:37 am
by oldjapanesebikes
TJCOOL wrote:I have so far not really spared any expense getting parts I needed or just wanted to update...so I will have a look a the bearings,
Suzuki still sells them of course - about $19 each I think here in Canada, or between $6 to $13 each from a bearing place depending on brand and style. Any commercial transmission or industrial bearing/seals supply shop has them.
