How to replace front wheel bearings???

[G21forme]

These are for the track rims on my 2003 zx6r and I have no effin clue how to do them and my pit crew couldn't figure it out either. thanks

[Ray-Ray]

These are for the track rims on my 2003 zx6r and I have no effin clue how to do them and my pit crew couldn't figure it out either. thanks

I have all the tools you need. I have a slide hammer and bearing press. Let me know when you can buy beers so I can help you.

[nt650hawk]

You mention a bearing press....You got me thinking.

Could you just use a 1/2 threaded rod, 2 nuts and some thick (1/8") washers stacked that are about 1.5" in width?

[Ray-Ray]

You mention a bearing press....You got me thinking.

Could you just use a 1/2 threaded rod, 2 nuts and some thick (1/8") washers stacked that are about 1.5" in width?

Of course you could. Or my bearing press

[slammp]

I use PVC pipe same diameter and a hammer. Getting them out is a bit more tricky but a brass punch and hammer will do it if your patient.

[Jim]

what made you replace the bearings? how did you check that they were worn?

[keeena]

what made you replace the bearings? how did you check that they were worn?

I think it went like this:

Can bearing spin?
No.
Replace bearing.

[Ray-Ray]

I think it went like this:

Can bearing spin?
No.
Replace bearing.

I concur

[SRTie4k]

I just disassembled my wheels, bearings, seals, spacers and all a couple of weeks ago and reassembled them this last weekend.

Pull the wheel off, stick your finger inside the dust seal and try to spin the bearing. If it doesn't move or has any "grinding/gritty" feeling, you need to replace them.

Also, in regards to installing bearings, you can buy a bearing installation kit that comes with a handle and a bunch of different sized disks that you attach to the end of the handle. Then you just place the disk on the bearing and hit the top of the handle with a hammer, making sure to drive the bearing in evenly.

[stoinkythepig]

You can also grind a section out of one of the old bearing outer races (so it resembles a C) and tap them in with it. The missing piece makes it easy to remove after the new bearing is seated.

[G21forme]

Thanks, I'll hit you up ray when I pick the kit up on friday I figured I would need some kind of special tool to get them out.

[Ray-Ray]

Thanks, I'll hit you up ray when I pick the kit up on friday I figured I would need some kind of special tool to get them out.

Sounds like a plan. Are you getting new dust seals as well? What year is that bike?

[G21forme]

Yup, the whole shebang and its an 03

[Stromper]

Beat out old ones

Just DONT hit the inner race outting them in

[butcher bergs]

Greg, you can always come up this way. I have the tools as well.

[Ray-Ray]

Greg, you can always come up this way. I have the tools as well.

We can have a help Greg drinking party

[G21forme]

I'll bring the girls

[smokinjoe]

Put the bearings in the freezer the night before and they nearly drop right in. Especially in summer.

[BluGixxer]

If going to use bolt with nuts, get the biggest you can, preferably the the size of the ID of the bearing ,or atleast 7/16"dia , less flex the better . Fine threads on a hardened grade 5 or better.
Install tools have a bearing between the nut and and a thick washer, bearing let's the nut spin without trying to twist or bind whatever you are installing.
Install 1 side at a time. Use large , heavy flat washers or even a thick steel plate on bolt head side to make a firm base to pull against .
Make sure it sits flat and solid , so to pull the bearing straight .
Temperature plays a huge roll in installing and removeing press fit bearings . Heating up the entire rim evenly (not the tire) (kitchen oven), make ice cubes the size of the OD of the bearing .(make extras). Bearing shrinks a little , and rim expands a little, just enough to tap the bearing and let it fall out, or just make the removal or install easier. You gotta be quick with this one, it works , I've done I have done it with pressfit wristpins in pistons, even if you use a press or a puller heat is still a good helper.
Keep in mind that oil or grease adds to the diameter. Only a little, but I have had bettter results with bearings and rims being clean and dry.
If useing a soft (brass) punch , having a second set of hands makes the job a ton easier. Take your time, go around in little bits. Takes a bit longer ,but won't destroy your soft rim.
If I can I will try to post a pic of my nut /bolt installer with bearing and steeel base plate.

[BluGixxer]

Just read the bearing in the freezerpost,
when the bearing touches the rim , the temp rises instantly . Act quick , don't touch with fingers.it expands tha fast.
Where gloves or attach a small bolt washer nut as a handle when you stick bearings in frezer.

[The Snowman]

Greg, go with All Balls Racing bearings. They're great kits and usually lower priced than OEM.

[G21forme]

Greg, go with All Balls Racing bearings. They're great kits and usually lower priced than OEM.

Freedom cycle had some oem kits so I just grabbed one so I can put my street rims/tires back on so I can ride this weekend. Thanks for the tip though.



Thanks everyone for all the help!