Front wheel bearing replacement
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 166
Likes: 34
From: Prospect, CT
Thanks DynaBob,
I had my front wheel off today (changing my fork seals) and ran the inner bearing race around with my finger on both sides - the ABS sensor side was smooth, but the clamp side was *grumble grumble*. Whew, glad I ran across this post and became aware enough to check. The bearings and bearing puller are now on order!
Thanks, guys!
I had my front wheel off today (changing my fork seals) and ran the inner bearing race around with my finger on both sides - the ABS sensor side was smooth, but the clamp side was *grumble grumble*. Whew, glad I ran across this post and became aware enough to check. The bearings and bearing puller are now on order!
Thanks, guys!
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 166
Likes: 34
From: Prospect, CT
TUSK Slide Hammer Bearing Remover
I bought a TUSK slide hammer type wheel bearing remover with a lot of bearing adapters for about $80. One of the bearings in my front wheel was rusted in so bad that I was SLAMMING that hammer to death trying to get it out . I was sure I was going to break off the little ridge that holds the backside of the bearing - but nope. I finally had to actually remove the tool and pound the bearing IN just an RCH to break the rust, and then reinstall the tool and out it came. The bearing puller came through with flying colors, ready to be used again. Great tool, recommended.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 351
Likes: 2
I bought a TUSK slide hammer type wheel bearing remover with a lot of bearing adapters for about $80. One of the bearings in my front wheel was rusted in so bad that I was SLAMMING that hammer to death trying to get it out . I was sure I was going to break off the little ridge that holds the backside of the bearing - but nope. I finally had to actually remove the tool and pound the bearing IN just an RCH to break the rust, and then reinstall the tool and out it came. The bearing puller came through with flying colors, ready to be used again. Great tool, recommended.
I am glad you got them out though, but if you would have purchased the tool I recommended you most likely would not have had trouble beating the bearing out or have to beat the new ones back in.
Again, glad you were successful in your repair.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 166
Likes: 34
From: Prospect, CT
Yup, I think you are right about not having to beat a bearing out with the tool you recommended (although most do not require that amount of force). The advantage of a slide hammer tool is that you do not have to have an even surface of predetermined size to support the frame of the tool - so it is a lot more versatile. And since I would rarely remove and then replace the same bearing, I'm not terribly concerned about damaging the race by applying that kind of lateral force.
Each has an advantage and disadvantage, and the important thing is that we both got the same results!
Each has an advantage and disadvantage, and the important thing is that we both got the same results!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 351
Likes: 2
Yup, I think you are right about not having to beat a bearing out with the tool you recommended (although most do not require that amount of force). The advantage of a slide hammer tool is that you do not have to have an even surface of predetermined size to support the frame of the tool - so it is a lot more versatile. And since I would rarely remove and then replace the same bearing, I'm not terribly concerned about damaging the race by applying that kind of lateral force.
Each has an advantage and disadvantage, and the important thing is that we both got the same results!
Each has an advantage and disadvantage, and the important thing is that we both got the same results!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: illinois
You can get it here http://www.debrix.com/Sifton-Wheel-B...16-0558-vt.htm
I am sue if you do a search you can find other places, but this seems to be a pretty good price.
There is a version on e-bay but I don't think it comes with the thrust bearing
.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLE...item2562e35b30
I bought it because I have '09 H-D mags with the narrow bearings and have a good feeling I'm going to need to replace them regularly on the rear.
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senior experienced all-knowing leader of the unwise
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 351
From: USA
The Pit Posse tool for $88 works fine. That's what i have. From what i've seen on both my personal bikes(pre-08) 50,000 and they are getting dry and ready for a change. 100,000 miles my ***. You need the tool. Those bearings are in there impossibly tight!
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