Rear Wheel Bearings

[gasIdaho]

I'm getting ready to replace my rear wheel bearings. I bought Moose Racing brand bearings. In the GG tech article, there is mention of removing the seals and greasing. The bearings I have are well greased so this seems redundant Anyway, if anyone has experience with these bearings please chime in. Thx!!!

 

[GMP]

I never do that and I never replace wheel bearings. Pull the wheels every few rides, clean and inspect the spacers and seals. Pack the area between the bearing and seal with a good thick waterproof grease like Castrol Pyroplex Blue. If the seals are good, spacers not grooved, no dirt or water will get in. I ride in water and mud all the time and wash the bike after every ride, but DO NOT use a pressure washer.

The OEM front spacers appear to be nicely anodized and hold up good. The sprocket side rear could be better, either replace with the anodized one from GoFasters or have a stainless one made and forget about it.

 

[gasIdaho]

Thx for the Good info. Any hints on removing the sprocket side spacer? Yep.....first time, I've been a slacker not paying much attention to that part of the bike. Having a hell of a time getting it past the seal. The brake side spacer came out pretty easy.

 

[gasIdaho]

Got it. Looks like it rests inside of the outer bearing. Thought it rested on it

 

[MattR]

I never do that and I never replace wheel bearings.

For me, it only takes a moment on a new bearing to lift off the bearing seal and do a sanity check. Most times, the bearings have a liberal amount of grease in them. I experienced some that had hardly any grease when new. Since it's quick to do, I lift the seal and pack with Belray waterproof grease if needed.

Word of caution: be very careful lifting off the seal, if you gouge the seal lip then you just did more harm than good.

 

[gasIdaho]

The bike has 4000+ miles and I believe this is the first check on the bearings. Looked pretty grim in there. I'll probably get a Gofasters rear spacer since the current one is a bit grooved. I also did the front today. Both wheels spin nice now.

 

[GMP]

When you buy bearings, get the good stuff from Europe, the UK, or Japan. SKF, FAG, NTN, etc., no other Asian or third world junk. There is a difference.

 

[gasIdaho]

I already had a set of front and back bearings. Moose Racing brand....hope they aren't junk!