Topic: Wheel bearing specs

[Kevin D]

 I'm shopping locally for wheel bearings (6302, 6304, 6305) but dont know all the proper specs, particularly clearances. CN or C3?? Seems like operating temp is the deciding factor, below 100C = CN, above 100C = C3. I dont think a wheel bearing would get that hot, but what do I know?
 Also going for 2rs, double sealed, but I think the OE ones have only one seal.
I found SKF, NSK, FAF, FAG for about $100, NTN for $120, Koyo about $70.

From one of the catalogs:

CN Low torque. Standard loads. Light preload. Slight interference fit on inner or outer ring, not both. Low to medium speeds. Average temperature. 

C3 Very low torque. High loads. Heavy interference fits. High temperature. Preloaded. 

[kghost]

Why not just buy them at All Balls?

http://www.goallballs.com/home.asp

[Kevin D]

All Balls about $44. I've been advised against buying inexpensive (chinese?) bearings.

[bryanj]

Whats wrong with original Honda parts---they lasted this long

[Bodi]

I use C3 with no problems. These are electric motor bearings, basically... and the type usually in stock (most metric bearings this size in N.A. are in electric motors). The bearing guru at my supplier said they would be perfect for motorcycle wheel use, and that going for a higher spec would be a waste of money. Note that bike wheel RPM is glacial compared with the rated maximum, load is well within specs, and that the tiny increase in radial tolerance over CN is pretty trivial due to the distance between bearings.
The 2SR or double lip sealed bearings are my choice. Sure Honda used one side sealed bearings and I don't need a flame war about why I think I'm smarter than Honda engineers, but I think it's better to keep the grease in the bearing and not worry about the 1/10000 horsepower wasted on extra bearing seal friction.
The problem with Hond OEM parts is the price. They sell you the exact same bearing you can buy at Motion Industries but Honda charges you at least twice the price. For specials like engine/transmission bearings with ring grooves... Honda is cheaper than having the groove ground in a standard bearing. For standard types you're nuts to pay for Honda to repackage and warehouse them.

[tlbranth]

Jeez Kevin, I didn't know there were all those different specs. I always just buy bearings and stick 'em on. Anyway, the originals were not sealed at all. They were shielded on the outside which meant greasing them up on the inside and using oil seals. The new bearings can be had sealed on both sides so no grease is necessary. I put some silicone grease on the lips of my oil seals just to keep them lubed. PartsNmore has the bearings (except the sprocket bearing) for $8 a piece. They only charge $5 per order for shipping. Their bearings are sealed both sides and are Japanese made.

[bryanj]

Dunno about now but back in 78 a Honda bearing with 20% discount was half the price of an SKF with 60% discount!!!!

[bryanj]

OK just to rub it in went playing on Motogrids website
6302  $9
6304  $11
but 6305 no longer available

[Kevin D]

Whats wrong with original Honda parts---they lasted this long

The originals have been great, I am just a little uneasy with 39 year old wheel bearings, with 39 year old grease. They have made 15000 miles in recent years without complaint.
 
Service Honda $62 shipped for all 5
96140-63020
96120-63040-10
96120-63050

[bryanj]

Thats the point i was making, sometimes its cheaper to get genuine. Even though the generic may be a higher standard, if its lasted this long is it needed.

[kghost]

All Balls about $44. I've been advised against buying inexpensive (chinese?) bearings.

Ya get both bearings and the seal for that price.

[Kevin D]

Rear wheel apart yesterday. I found NTN bearings as original equipment. Bryan, do you know what Honda might supply?

I found a Motion Industries here in Livonia, they offered me the Chinese bearings for $60. When I said for a 100+mph motorcycle, they said get the better ones.

5 to 8 inches of snow tonight giving me more time.

[bryanj]

Honda would supply whatever make they bought in and i guarantee it would be a Japanese firm, NTN, Koyo or some such.

I'm sorry but i really don't see the point in expensive bearings when the ones fitted from new have lasted 30 years ish,

Most bearings changed fail due to lack of use and rust in the tracks and for how long are you gonna run your bike at 100+ (and keep a licence!) If it was a track or drag bike or something else esoteric i might consider specials but more for less friction than anything else