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Rear Wheel Bearings

By Matt Roessle


Reference Pictures:

Here are some reference pictures to show the different components. The teardown and installation procedures will be discussed next.


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Photo 1 : Exploded View of the Rear Wheel Bearing Assy


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Photo 2 : Close Up View of the sprocket side Wheel Bearing Assy


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Photo 3 : Close-up of Inner Wheel Spacer


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Photo 4 : Close Up View of the Brake Side Wheel Bearing Assembly


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Photo 5 : Close up view of the sprocket side hub with the double counter-bore.  The diameter of the inner bearing is smaller than the diameter of the outer bearing.


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Photo 6 : Close up view of the brake side of the hub. Note that there is an internal groove for the retaining ring.


Teardown Procedure:

Brake Side Wheel Bearing:

  • Remove the brake side wheel spacer.
  • Pry out the dirt wiper with a screw driver.
  • Remove the retaining ring.
  • Heat the hub/bearing area with a propane torch (for several minutes).
  • Insert a long drift from the sprocket side and feel for the inner bearing edge (very little).
  • Using a hammer, hit the long drift and gradually work from side-to-side around the bearing.
    • Note: if it does not move, heat the hub longer with the torch and repeat.
  • After getting the bearing out, remove the inner wheel spacer and flip the wheel over.

Sprocket Side Wheel Bearings:

  • Remove the sprocket side wheel spacer.
  • Pry out the dirt wiper with a screw driver.
  • There is not retaining ring on this side. However, you get the pleasure of removing 2 bearings at the same time.
  • Like before, heat the hub/bearing area with a propane torch (for several minutes).
  • Insert a long drift from the brake side and put it against the inner bearing edge.
    • This time there will be easy access without the inner wheel spacer.
  • Using a hammer, hit the long drift and gradually work from side-to-side around the bearing.
    • Note: if it does not move, heat the hub longer with the torch and repeat.

Installation Procedure:

Basically, it is the reverse procedure. You will start with the sprocket side and install these bearings first.

Recommended Tips:

  • Before installing the new bearings, inspect them to make sure they are fully greased.
  • Gently remove the bearing seals with a small screwdriver or pick.
  • Using a good waterproof grease (like Bel-Ray), brush in a liberal amount into both sides of the bearings.
  • Reinstall all bearing seals.
  • Put all of the bearings into a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for about a hour prior to installation.
    • The combination of frozen bearings and heated hub will make the installation easier.

Sprocket Side Wheel Bearings:

  • Heat up the hub/bearing area with a propane torch (for several minutes).
  • Select sockets or washers that contact only the outer bearing races.
  • Hammer in the inner bearing until it is fully seated.
  • Hammer in the outer bearing until it is fully seated against the inner bearing.
  • Apply some grease to the inside of the dirt wiper.
  • Press in the dirt wiper.
  • Press in the outer wheel spacer.
  • Now, flip the wheel over to do the brake side.

Brake Side Wheel Bearing:

  • Heat up the hub/bearing area with a propane torch (for several minutes).
  • Insert the inner wheel spacer (DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS!!!)
  • Using a socket or washer like before, hammer in the bearing until it is fully seated.
  • Did you remember to put the inner wheel spacer in?
    • If you forgot… you will have to hammer out your new bearing using the long drift like during teardown.
    • If you are quick enough and the hub is still hot, the bearing can be removed without damaging the inner race… if you are lucky!
  • After the bearing is fully seated, install the retaining ring and make sure it is in the groove.
  • Apply some grease to the inside of the dirt wiper.
  • Press in the dirt wiper.
  • Press in the outer wheel spacer.
    • Note: the brake side wheel spacer is the shorter/smaller spacer and the sprocket side wheel spacer is the taller/larger spacer.

 

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