Topic: How do you know you need a new wheel bearing?

[egor]

How do you know you need a new wheel bearing?

[MCRider]

How do you know you need a new wheel bearing?

If its 10k miles or more with original bearings, you likely need new ones. They are not the best to begin with, being sealed only on the outside, and age and condensation will rust them even with little mileage.

If you have it apart, stick your fingers in the inner races of the bearings and turn them and spin the wheel. If they feel crunchy, guess what?


having said all that, I've put many more miles on them than that. THey seldom fail outright, they just get crunchy.

[Johnie]

I have replaced all the wheel bearings on all my 750's. First, it is not a difficult task. Second, it is not costly if you do it yourself. Third, it gives me good piece of mind on the road. Fourth, the sealed bearings are better than what was available in the early 70's. Go for it man...

[CycleRanger]

I have replaced all the wheel bearings on all my 750's. First, it is not a difficult task. Second, it is not costly if you do it yourself. Third, it gives me good piece of mind on the road. Fourth, the sealed bearings are better than what was available in the early 70's. Go for it man...

What he said. 
The bearing kits from Z1 http://www.z1enterprises.com/ are reasonably priced.

[fmctm1sw]

Thought about this lately too.  Where does one find a device (hub wrench?) that fits into the 4 holes in the hub?  I'm talking 350 but maybe the 750 is the same? 

[MCRider]

Thought about this lately too.  Where does one find a device (hub wrench?) that fits into the 4 holes in the hub?  I'm talking 350 but maybe the 750 is the same? 

There are several threads about home made bearing retainer tools. Never seen a store bot one. I used a 24"+/- piece of strap steel from the hardware. Drill two holes in the strap at about the mid point, spaced to match the notches in the retainer. the holes should be of the size to accept a short bolt that will fit in the notches of the retainer. Two are enough. Secure the bolts to the strap with nuts. Price <$3

Search on retainer tool. Especially in tips and tricks forum.

Like this:


Use like this

[mystic_1]

There are several threads about home made bearing retainer tools. Never seen a store bot one.

Same here, CB750 manuals list the following Retainer Tools but I shudder to think what list price is on these, if they're even still available.

Most of the retainers I've changed have been so buggered from previous owners that they required drastic measures to remove.

mystic_1

[egor]

Will any noise come from a worn rear wheel bearing?...when the bike is in motion.

[MCRider]

Will any noise come from a worn rear wheel bearing?...when the bike is in motion.

Not that I've ever heard. I've been around some pretty old bearings. 

YMMV

[Johnie]

If you are questioning the bearings, then replace them. You have to think about how it would be if you loose a bearing at 60MPH. You could very well loose much more than the bearing and hub.

[mystic_1]

If you are questioning the bearings, then replace them. You have to think about how it would be if you loose a bearing at 60MPH. You could very well loose much more than the bearing and hub.

+1 to all of the above.

Yet another part that falls into the category of "so critical to safety and cheap to replace, so do so if you have the slightest doubt as to their condition".

mystic_1

[BobbyR]

Will any noise come from a worn rear wheel bearing?...when the bike is in motion.

By time you hear the noise it may be too late. I avoided the job like the plague, turned ot to be no big deal.

[Ace]

I've heard a car wheel bearing that needed replacing.  Not sure on the bike.

Another hand made tool to remove the retainers is a piece of mild steel place, drill holes weld in steel rod to fit retainer and then welded a nut on the other (top) side so I could fit a socket over it. 

Similar ideas can be handy on bike.  Like buying a cheap socket, cutting the sides away so it fits over the nut that holds the clutch basket in.