Topic: Rough bearings after new installation on front wheel?

[neurotoxin312]

So I've just replaced the bearings on the front wheel of my CB550, and after installing it I noticed that when I spun the bearing on the retainer side, it didn't spin as smoothly as the other side. When I removed the bearings to check to see if there was a problem, it spun smoothly. I thought that maybe the collar was causing an issue but I dont think it is.

Any ideas on why this might be the case? It seems as though when I install the bearings they get a little rough. BTW these are bearings from All Balls.

[dave500]

make sure the speedo drive is seated correctly,also be sure the spacers prongs aren't fouling inside they seem to get all bent up.

[Bodi]

It's a bit of a trick to get the bearings in so the races are aligned and there isn't axial force being applied when the axle is tightened. If the floating bearing's bore is not too tight, they will self-align after a bit of riding. If you drove the floating bearing in tight pushing on the outer race, they're set with the races misaligned.

[neurotoxin312]

Should the collar on the inside of the hub move around freely? what is the best method for aligning the inner collar ?

[Don R]

 It's as much an art as it is a science. The spacers, races and collar add up to a tight stack of parts with the ball bearings floating free. If it's a little tight it should self adjust.

[Bodi]

You want the spacer touching but not tight. You should be able to press in on both inner races and push the stack - two bearing inner races and the spacer - back and forth slightly.

[evanphi]

My method for the getting the bearings seated "Just right" is to have the inner races touching the spacer, but you can still rotate each side independently of each other AND the spacer.

[tlbranth]

The bearing with the retainer gets installed 'til it bottoms. The other side is pressed or tapped in 'til it just touches the spacer. It really is an art.