Topic: Are 500 and 550 wheel bearings the same?

[Scott S]

 I'm having a heck of a time finding a shop that has All Balls steering stem bearings AND front wheel bearings for my CB500. I can find one or the other, but not both.
 Dennis Kirk says they have them for the 550K. I used the Motogrid site to cross reference and got more than 17 pages of matches.

 What part #'s or bearing size should I ask for when ordering wheel bearings? Anyone know of a place to get steering stem AND wheel bearings?

[Scott S]

 And to clarify: I want the All Balls tapered steering stem bearings. I don't care what brand the wheel bearings are.

 Also, will I need to order rubber dust seals for the front as well?

[turboguzzi]

go with 2RS sealed bearings and you can skip the seals

[greenjeans]

99% sure they are the same.  I used to have a 500 & a 550 and when I changed out the bearings, they were the same.

[Scott S]

 Check out this ebay auction. He has the All Balls brand wheel bearings with seals. This auction is for the All Balls steering stem bearings. It lists CB500 in the title, but not in the long list of bike in the description.
  Are these the bearings I need? I asked a question and their reply was " They only fit bikes listed". I pointed out that the CB500 was in the title but not the list and there are three different CB500's (K models, twins, and the '80's models).

 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400174991836&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[Scott S]

 Even Z1's list is confusing. Under '71 CB500, they list the 6302-2RS wheel bearing, but when you look at the detailed list, the '71 CB500 isn't in there!
 They also list a kit with seals, but again, in the detailed listing the '71-73 CB500 isn't included.
 
 I'm so confused.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

For the wheel bearings, check your parts fiche.  You'll find a 4-digit number with maybe a couple of letters inside some parenthesis.  Take that 4-digit number, chop off the letters, add the 2RS as Turbo said and go to your local bearing supplier (I use Fastenal).   

example: SKU: 96140-63020-10 BEARING, RADIAL BALL (6302U)

becomes 6302-2RS.

You can prolly get these bearings for around 5 bux a pop.

[Scott S]

 And will I need the rubber dust shields or not?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

And will I need the rubber dust shields or not?

The first time I changed bearings, I ordered up new rubber bits and a new retainer ring.  Glad I did cuz I bugger'd 'em all pretty badly.  Now that I've done it a few times, I can generally salvage it all.  If you need the bike right away, go ahead and order these bits.  If you can afford to be down a few days, wait til you know if you need 'em.

Here is a GREAT tutorial on how to do the job, including building some of the special tools you may need...

http://www.goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=69&sid=d10df75fd3f1bcaaf7161dec65412ea6

[Nortstudio]

Z1 is definitely a bit confusing. But if you call, they Will walk you through it in a minute. Just ordered last week.

[Gaither]

FWIW

A well-stocked bearing specialty supplier will usualy (maybe not every time) have any bearing you need (ball or roller). Just take the complete old bearing with you. It is amazing what they can lay on the counter for you.

In many cases, it'll also cost less. Quick, easy and no shipping cost - but, you'll likely have to pay sales tax.