Rear wheel bearings on 03

[kendunn]

My son has an 03 EC250 (but of course, I am the one that has to work on it) and I am scratching my head about the rear wheel bearings. Gofasters only has parts back to 06 listed, but it have noticed places selling bearings for the EC that list them from 02 up. Problem is his seems to take 2-6004's and 1-6005. They (GF) list 1-6204, 1-6004, and 1-6005. I have put it back together with what I listed first and it seems tight. I had the 6204, but saw no where for it to fit. I checked to make sure there was a mechanical connection from outside spacer to outside space so no bearings bind and there is. Its OK around 40 NM torque, but at 80 I can turn it by hand, but as soon as I let go it stops. Am I using the right bearings? I don't see anyway to make the 6204 fit in there as it is a larger diameter, not just thicker. Was maybe 03 a split year or could someone have changed the rear wheel (I kinda doubt it because it hadn't been ridden hardly any). Anyone have any ideas? Looking at Matts breakdown picture seems to confirm what I have is correct, his bearings appear to be 2-6002's

[GMP]

Sounds like you may have an '03 with a pre-'03 wheel. GoFasters #s are good, two different size bearings on sprocket side with a thin spacer washer between them. All '03+ wheels/bearings are the same, '02 and prior are also the same. The aftermarket listing for "'02 up" would be incorrect.

The older wheel is fine, I have one as a spare myself. The newer hubs were supposed to save a few oz thats all. If it binds I would suspect a spacer problem, assuming the bearings were installed correctly (pressed via outer race).

[kendunn]

I was careful installing the bearings, so they were OK, I torqued it a little heavy and then backed it off and I think its going to be OK now, spinning much more freely. The bearing numbers were just scaring me. After I give it a spin I think it may loosen up a bit more and be just fine.

[jostby]

My kids '04 uses the same bearings you found in yours, (2) 6004 and (1) 6005. And I ended up the same as you. I never found any shims between bearings. About the only thing that seems possible on my setup is that the inner tube/spacer is about .001" narrow.
When I cranked the axle nut down to about 60 ft lbs the wheel still spun but would stop immediately if you were trying to spin it by hand and let go. I backed the nut off to about 40 ft lbs and like yours, it's much better but still drags a little. Hopefully it's tight enough to keep the chain adjustment from moving.

[Skidad]

My kids '04 uses the same bearings you found in yours, (2) 6004 and (1) 6005. And I ended up the same as you. I never found any shims between bearings. About the only thing that seems possible on my setup is that the inner tube/spacer is about .001" narrow.

There should be a special washer (BE250318056) between those 2 bearings. Might want to get that.

[jostby]

Thanks. I'll do that. Evidently it's been this way since we have had it (3 yrs?) Probably why the rear bearings went bad in the first place. Hopefully it lasts through the weekend as he's going to race it at the Desert 100 and I won't have a chance to get it replaced before then
On the plus side my originals are still going strong in my '00

[marjastaja]

Hey I need help!
I'm ordering rear wheel bearings for my '03 250 ec from Italy.
There are 2 different sets of bearings:
2001-2003 and 2004-2010
But the part numbers are same in 2003-2010
Should I take the 2004-2010 set??

[jostby]

You will do better to remove the bearings and take them and the seals to a bearing supplier to match up. There must have been a change mid year. It will be cheaper that way also.

[Jim Cook]

The rear wheel bearings changed for the 2003 models.
The front wheel bearings changed for the 2005 models.

Jim