Replacing front bearings

[Kwikasfuki]

Seems that every 20k my front bearings are shot. I replaced them over the weekend but wasn't too happy with how I did them, so am intending to replace them again.

There isn't much room on the bearing to hit against, so I got a long flat screwdriver, pushed the spacer out of the way and hammered it out. Unfortunately I did damage the spacer a little, but nothing that wasn't fixable with a file.

When inserting the bearings, I did freeze them for about an hour before putting them in. One side went in relatively easy, but I had to use a 27mm socket get it flush. The other side was a pain, and whilst I avoided the inner ring, I did manage to scuff the the seal between the two rings. I also noticed that the axle got progressively harder to remove as the bearings went in (it was a pain to get the wheel off the bike as well as the axle refused to move once it have been unthreaded from the opposite bolt). As I'm not confident that I did it right first time I'm going to do them again.

This time I will put the bearings in the freezer for longer, but am also thinking of using a heat gun to warm up the bearing housing. Any ideas at what temperature I want to do this at? Also, what size socket will match the diameter of the bearing, but not get stuck in the housing.

Alternatively, there is the chance I've done it right first time. Is there an easy way of checking? Both bearings turn, just that one turns more easily than the other. It could be I'm just being paranoid.

Of course, I could get a mechanic to do it, but where would be the fun in that?   

On a side note, I got the front tyre changed on Saturday. I realised the bearings were shot when they were about to balance the wheel. Got home, put on the bearings (making sure the discs didn't touch anything), and when putting the wheel back on, noticed one of the rotors was visibly bent. Now either I did it whilst transporting, doing the bearings, or it was done during the wheel change. Was going to write it off as a bad mistake, but got lucky today. Another biker was getting his tyre changed and he was filming the procedure so he could save on cost next time and remove the wheel himself. We swapped numbers as he's local, and got a text of him today saying he captured the fitter having an accident with my wheel. Will get the evidence tomorrow and go over.

[shaggs147]

Hi Asif, I've managed to download a workshop manual from somewhere and it says you need a special tool, which is basically a punch with a disc on the end so the force is driven down onto the outer race. When we replace bearings in work, we sometimes use a socket the same size as the outer race and drive a blow against that. Another way would be to start the bearing by using the old bearing on top of the new one and hit against the old bearing. Another method would be to use a threaded bar - big washer and nut one end, guide the other end of the bar through the wheel and bearing on the other side, then through a suitably sized socket. Fit a washer and nut on the end of that, then wind up the nuts to draw the bearing in.
Hope that helps. Is there a way I could get this downloaded manual sent to you or put on the site (if thats legal that is) 

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi Shaggs, I have the manual already but just not the tool. On the GTR it is a pain to remove the bearing as the spacer can only be moved so much. Definitely can't get to the outer race, so you have to use the inner one.

The threaded bar is a good idea to insert the bearing. Can't see how it can be used to remove though as the bearing can't move inwards anymore? I guess you could use an old bearing as well, as long as you shaved enough off so it won't get stuck in the housing.

Thanks for those. I think I will try the old bearing one to insert

[shaggs147]

Yeh unfortunately (or fortunately) I've not had the wheel off yet myself, so have not seen it properly apart from on the drawing. It looks like you should be able to use a long bar to hit the bearing out using the inner race as you say, which is fine as it doesn't matter damaging the old one. If you are using the old bearing to guide the new one in, then you can knock it down until the bearing is flush with the housing, then use a socket to give it the final knock home. You could also use a small punch for this final bit, gently tapping around the outer race, but wouldn't recommend it as one slip usually means the punch goes between the two races, wrecking the bearing cage. Might be worth checking the quality of the new bearings too. Sometimes its worth popping into BSL Brammer who supply quality bearings for most applications.

[Kwikasfuki]

Shaggs147, thanks again. There's a BSL Brammer about 0.25 miles from where I work. I always wondered what they manufactured!

I'll pop in tomorrow with the bearings and see which ones they recommend.

[shaggs147]

haha nice one, hope they can help you out 

[Kwikasfuki]

haha nice one, hope they can help you out 

Indeed they can. Got a pair of SKF bearings.

I said I wanted the best, and their response was SKF are the Rolls Royce of bearings.

As long as the fekers last more than 20k.

That is poor. Touring bike and the bearings go at 20k. Shite

[Mogster]

Indeed they can. Got a pair of SKF bearings.

I said I wanted the best, and their response was SKF are the Rolls Royce of bearings.

As long as the fekers last more than 20k.

That is poor. Touring bike and the bearings go at 20k. Shite

too many wheelies mate...    thas what does the tuonos bearings 

[shaggs147]

too many wheelies mate...    thas what does the tuonos bearings 

Wouldn't the wheelie reduce the wear ..... unless its getting slammed down 

Glad you got sorted, SKF are top notch! 

[Kwikasfuki]

I've got all the parts. Tomorrow will be putting them on.

[Winston Smith]

Bent rotor?

[Kwikasfuki]

Bent rotor?

Being replaced by EBC ones. Only cost to me is the pads (needed replacing anyway)

[Kwikasfuki]

Here goes Good Friday.
Gonna be spent on removing wheel, fitting bearings, fitting discs, fitting pads

Thank goodness the weather is a bite shite

[Lonewolf]

I hope you have more success than you did with the Audi. 

[shaggs147]

How did you get on with the bearings Kwik, did it all go together ok?
Did the Skf's feel better to you?