I have new rear bearings, installed. My question is how long do your bearings seem to last. I am getting about 4 months out of a rear pair, I ride every weekend. Does this seem like normal amount of time for bearings to last and has anyone converted there rear wheel to 4 bearings?

thanks

Dustin

I have new rear bearings, installed.

Rear bearings?

Sorry rear wheel bearings

I have new rear bearings, installed. My question is how long do your bearings seem to last. I am getting about 4 months out of a rear pair, I ride every weekend. Does this seem like normal amount of time for bearings to last and has anyone converted there rear wheel to 4 bearings?

thanks

Dustin

They seem a little short lived. Be sure to re-pack the new bearings with grease and tighten the rear axle to 30-37 Ft lbs (40-50 Nm). You may want to check the axle with a torque wrench to avoid the unecessary side load on the bearing caused by over-tightening.

Jon

I assume you remove the inside seal as not to disturb the outter seal and what do you recommend for a grease. Onhand I have Lucas red and tacky grease would that do the trick.

Thanks for the advice

Dustin

Edited April 12, 201115 yr by legionnair

Over enthusiastic use of the pressure wash, or degreaser type bike wash won't help either.

I assume you remove the inside seal as not to disturb the outter seal and what do you recommend for a grease. Onhand I have Lucas red and tacky grease would that do the trick.

Thanks for the advice

Dustin

I usually remove both seals carefully with a dental pick and put a mixture of 70% waterproof grease and 30% anti-seize in. The anti-seize helps prevent galling in thin lubrication conditions. I use BelRay motorcycle grease but there are others that work well. Not all grease resists water well so make sure it's water tolerant. I probably get 12X the life from my bearings that you were getting.

Now and then, when I have the wheels off, I'll remove the outer seal to see if a little more grease is needed.

Most of the bearings we use are made for higher RPM's/temps/less shock loads and less moisture than they see being used in a wheel and you'll be surprized at how little grease is in some bearings to start with.

Thanks Jon

I will check the grease I have or pick up some up thats more water tolerant.

I dont use a pressure washer or degreaser, so cant be that.

Dustin

Thanks Jon

I will check the grease I have or pick up some up thats more water tolerant.

I dont use a pressure washer or degreaser, so cant be that.

Dustin

Be sure to try a torque wrench on the axle just to "feel" how tight it should go

in the future. A lot of riders (myself included at times) tend to think that more

is better when tightening fasteners and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has

snapped off a bolt head in the past....

Jon

Are you buying quality bearings ?

I usually remove both seals carefully with a dental pick and put a mixture of 70% waterproof grease and 30% anti-seize in. The anti-seize helps prevent galling in thin lubrication conditions. I use BelRay motorcycle grease but there are others that work well. Not all grease resists water well so make sure it's water tolerant. I probably get 12X the life from my bearings that you were getting.

Now and then, when I have the wheels off, I'll remove the outer seal to see if a little more grease is needed.

Most of the bearings we use are made for higher RPM's/temps/less shock loads and less moisture than they see being used in a wheel and you'll be surprized at how little grease is in some bearings to start with.

So I repacked the bearings and just for your info check out the Lucas grease

http://www.lucasoil.ca/products/product.asp?id=11&cat=PowerSports

I am using koyo bearings and I used a torque wrench today and it is abit tighter than I had torqued it to by hand

Dustin

Edited April 12, 201115 yr by legionnair