Front wheel bearings

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Fastmongrel
Posts: 208
Joined: 07 Nov 2022 22:37
Location: Lancashire

Front wheel bearings

Post by Fastmongrel »

Front wheel bearings feel a bit notchy so decided to pop some new ones in. The wheel has currently got a metal shielded bearing on the caliper side and a rubber sealed one on the Speedo side.

Is this the correct factory way or can I just replace both with rubber sealed bearings.

81 Strada with alloy wheels.
1981 3 1/2 Strada
3potjohn
Posts: 1243
Joined: 02 Jun 2007 13:58
Location: Devon

Re: Front wheel bearings

Post by 3potjohn »

When I replaced mine about 14 years back I used “rubber” sealed bearings and chose stainless steel ones, rightly or wrongly. Just thought they are fairly exposed. As I need a tyre soon I ought to check them over I guess, something us airhead riders worry about, with their taper roller system.
John
George 350
Posts: 450
Joined: 16 Jun 2007 09:43
Location: Northampton

Re: Front wheel bearings

Post by George 350 »

Hi,
As has been said, sealed bearings are fine. What you have to be careful with is removing the speedo drive side bearing.
Corrosion can build up in the wheel outside of the bearing, and when you drift the bearing out, the speedo drive gear cracks. These are either not available or very difficult to get.
The simple thing to do is to use a rotary wire brush in a drill and make sure any old paint and corrosion build up is gone.
Do this and you should avoid any 'oh s#@t' moments.
Regards,
George
George
350 sport 1978, 350 Strada 1978
650 Norton 1967, 650 Kawasaki 1977 and 650 Enfield 2019
Fastmongrel
Posts: 208
Joined: 07 Nov 2022 22:37
Location: Lancashire

Re: Front wheel bearings

Post by Fastmongrel »

I got the brake side bearing out easily using a slide hammer. The speedo side fought hard and I had to heat the hub using boiling water a whole kettle full.

A pair of FAG sealed bearings are due tomorrow and I will freeze them for 24 hours before fitting pity I can't get my hands on Dry Ice.
1981 3 1/2 Strada
3potjohn
Posts: 1243
Joined: 02 Jun 2007 13:58
Location: Devon

Re: Front wheel bearings

Post by 3potjohn »

Dry ice is really useful for bearings. I no longer have access to it.
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