Topic: Original wheel bearings?

[Sons_0f_Liberty]

I was planning on replacing the bearings on my CB550 because I've got the wheels off and well, why the hell not? But after having the wheels relaced/trued my wheel guy says he doesn't have a spanner for my hubs and that the ones on there are "perfectly fine" and not to fret about it. Now is he telling me the truth or being lazy? Anywho, the bearings are orange. We're the orginal Honda bearings orange? If OEM's were replaced somewhere down the line I'll probably just leave the things in. Thanks in advance.

[puppytrax]

He's full of sh*t...   

It takes about 10-15 minutes to make a spanner to take the rear retaining ring off...about twice that to make a front hub spanner...I use 1/8" steel strap...be sure to drill out the stakes first...

Get new shielded Timken bearings...two 302KDD for the front; and one 304KDD and one 305KDD for the rear...you'll also need a CR 13447 (34x55x9) seal for the rear. I don't have the two front hub seal numbers (axle + speedo) but I did post them in another thread.

If you're using a 750 rear hub you'll need two of the 304KDD bearings + the 305KDD.

I prefer metal-shielded bearings to polymer-sealed bearings.

Considering what he's told you about the bearings, I'd double-check the tightness of the spokes and the trueness of the wheel. Clamp your wheel+axle in a vise, dial-indicate or even just eyeball the wheel while spinning it. It should spin nice and straight with no eccentricity. Next, tap each spoke with a screwdriver; they should all make nice musical notes. If you hear a "plonk" or a "thunk", get your money back...

[puppytrax]

OEM Honda bearings were sealed on one side only; water gets in the other side. It turns grease white or orange or brown color. Not good. Those are 30+ year old bearings...   

Do you feel lucky???