Replacing front bearings

[Kwikasfuki]

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

Aye, went on perfectly. Only thing I wasn't sure about was how tight the spacer should be in relation to the bearings. I asked dealer and he said a nice fit, not too tight.

As for the feeling, funny you should ask that. The front feels totally different (in a better sense). I'm wondering if it's the bearings or new tyre.

[shaggs147]

All sounds good then! Probably front end feel better due to tyre 70% and bearings 30%........ unless the old bearings were completely   

[Kwikasfuki]

I've still the rear to do. Not that they need replacing yet, but it's only a matter of time

[O.C.]

Kiwas, before too long you'll have replaced the whole bike, bit by bit, and it'll be just like a new 'un. 

[Kwikasfuki]

 

This time I intend to do a writeup on how to change them which will hopefully help others.

[Mogster]

This time I intend to do a writeup on how to change them which will hopefully help others.

Allow me to help you with that..

Phone Dealers.... book in bike...take bike in..... blag test ride on ZX10..... pick bike up... Job done 

[Kwikasfuki]

Allow me to help you with that..

Phone Dealers.... book in bike...take bike in..... blag test ride on ZX10..... pick bike up... Job done 

And come out $$$$$$$$$$$ poorer!

[Mogster]

And come out $$$$$$$$$$$ poorer!

ah yes but being an International media mega star I can afford it...

actually it's more like....

Smarty 'Do you know what you are doing??'
Me 'er........possibly '
Smarty 'Book it in you oaf '

[Boomer]

First time I did my front wheel bearings I did exactly what I did on all my GTR1000s.
I used a Dremel with a grinding bit to cut a U into the inside of one side of the spacer.
That way on one side you can get a piece of rod fully on to the inner ring of the bearing to drive it out.
Have been using the studding method for fitting the new bearings for years now.
Before that I used to just hammer away on an old bearing outer shell (ground down slightly so it doesn't get stuck)
Front wheel bearing changes are now 1 hour from ride in to ride out and I normally clean the calipers as well.

[viper]

would love to see a picture write on on this, one of the few jobs ive never done my self as i usually let my bikes go at the sub20k mark.

cant picture boomers spacer ring u method but it sounds good

[Kwikasfuki]

I may do what Boomer suggests and made a small groove in the spacer.

See below of a pic of what you have to work with. Only a few mm of the inner brace is exposed once you move the spacer out of the way. However, I would say once you know what to do, it is relatively easy. Obviously keep in mind that you don't want to warp the discs, so a bin is essential. I use a flat screwdriver with an impact head and gently tap the inner brace, moving in a clockwise motion.

I did read it was possible to knock bearings out using concrete anchor plug, but I think the diameter of the inner brace is too much.

If anyone does try replacing their bearing, make sure the spacer still fits on the axle. It easy to damage the spacer (nothing that can't be filed down) and you don't want to have put the bearings in only to find the spacer is damaged and won't fit the axle.

See below of the socket that I purchased from Halfords to knock the bearings in. Fits the outer brace perfectly without getting stuck in the housing.

[viper]

how does that spacer groove thingy work?

[Kwikasfuki]

All you're doing is creating a notch in the spacer where it meets the bearing. It will then allow for easier access to the bearing. Obviously won't work for the first time as the spacer needs to be off to create the notch

[viper]

i know who i will be asking for advice if this job ever needs doing

***cough****   Kwiki*****cough*****