Topic: wheel bearings

[Ozzybud]

be careful using naval jelly on chrome.

Navel jelly will not harm chrome. Just neutralizes rust!

[crashmaster]

That's weird because my jar of  Loctite navel jelly says not to use it on chrome also, so I haven't been. Would be nice to know if I could. Any chemists out there?

[Ozzybud]

Well the manufacturer is mire credible than i.
I have used it with no ill effects.
I prefer SOS pads.

[ofreen]

...and try to clean up the rusty rims (not gonna be fun).

Rust on the inside or the outside of the wheel?  I've used simichrome paste on chrome that wasn't pitted too deeply and have been surprised by the results.  On the inside, a wire wheel, some block sanding to get a reasonably smooth surface, rust converter if there is enough rust left to convert, then silver rustoleum.  It will stay good for a long time if you do that.

[crashmaster]

Good tips - thanks!

I think I will re use the bearings. They seem fine. Bit I did have a question upon taking the wheel apart for possible future reference. What are the dimples that I have an arrow pointed to in the attached pic? Thanks

[denward17]

Good tips - thanks!

I think I will re use the bearings. They seem fine. Bit I did have a question upon taking the wheel apart for possible future reference. What are the dimples that I have an arrow pointed to in the attached pic? Thanks

The dimples are there from the factory to keep the retainer from turning out over time. 

FYI, they need drilling out to remove the retainer ring.

Edit to add picture of 550K hub just to show threads and dimples.

[low-side]

Yeah, 1/8" drill 1/8" deep is all it should take and the retainer will turn out, either with a special socket or careful use of a punch.  After servicing, you'll want to re-stake (dimple) it

[crashmaster]

Thanks . I saw a video of someone making a tool to remove the bearing retainer, and he did drill them out. Now I know why!

[kyle750]

On both my CB750 and CB550  I replaced the old wheels and spokes (very rusted).   I reused the old wheel bearings because I did not know how to take the old ones out   I cleaned and regreased the old bearings.   I did replace the old brake pads and shoes.  After truing, all 4 wheels run very straight with no wobble so I am quessing the old wheel bearings are OK?

[Deltarider]

[...]
These bearings are generic: you can buy the best-of-all versions from SKF, but you'll pay for them - and they WILL be superior bearings. That's all I use.

Yep, SKF is best; Swedish steel, best there is.

[newday777]

On both my CB750 and CB550  I replaced the old wheels and spokes (very rusted).   I reused the old wheel bearings because I did not know how to take the old ones out   I cleaned and regreased the old bearings.   I did replace the old brake pads and shoes.  After truing, all 4 wheels run very straight with no wobble so I am quessing the old wheel bearings are OK?

" I cleaned and regreased the old bearings"
" so I am quessing the old wheel bearings are OK?"

Did you stick your finger in each bearing and turn your finger to feel for roughness and notchiness after?? That is the only way answer your question. We can not apart from that.

[kyle750]

On both my CB750 and CB550  I replaced the old wheels and spokes (very rusted).   I reused the old wheel bearings because I did not know how to take the old ones out   I cleaned and regreased the old bearings.   I did replace the old brake pads and shoes.  After truing, all 4 wheels run very straight with no wobble so I am quessing the old wheel bearings are OK?

" I cleaned and regreased the old bearings"
" so I am quessing the old wheel bearings are OK?"

Did you stick your finger in each bearing and turn your finger to feel for roughness and notchiness after?? That is the only way answer your question. We can not apart from that.

I actually did stick my finger in and turn the wheel bearings around.  Very smooth inside with no nicks or rough areas and the bearings turned very smoothly but solid and very firm. I could not see or feel any wear anywhere and the overall condition of the 4 wheel bearings looked like new. All 4 axles were in very good shape - black with grime but no rust or corrosion.  There was some corrosion to the axle around the outer wheel spacer on the CB550 so the axle was hard to get off but once removed the rough area sanded off easily and was smooth and OK on final assembly.

[jlh3rd]

That's weird because my jar of  Loctite navel jelly says not to use it on chrome also, so I haven't been. Would be nice to know if I could. Any chemists out there?

yep, I wasn't giving my opinion, I looked it up.
I do know that certain and stronger acids will start to darken chrome after a certain amount of time, ask me how I know.
Once it's changed the chrome, you can't fix it.

[kyle750]

I just found photos Kannika sent to me while she was sanding the inner wall of the CB750 rear hub.  Wheel bearing was reused.

[MauiK3]

Nice clean hub!

[Johnie]

I went the other way as to the wheel bearings. I replaced all of them on all the bikes I have done in the last 25 years. Peace of mind I guess. But years ago seemed replacement was recommended. Easy to do and I just thought traveling at highway speeds I didn't need one to fail. Plus bearings were affordable.