HOW TO WHEEL BEARINGS





Write down the numbers as they are ALL very similar when you go to buy them!
6302? 6203? 6202?


 Before making the final decision that the wheel bearings are shot check all the following before
going to all the time and trouble of changing them.

1. Check the Swinging arm bolt for tightness
2. Check the rear wheel spindle for tightness
3. Check to see the state of the spokes
4. With the bike supported place one hand on either side of the wheel.......and do a little
push/pull.... if it moves it's shot, but do remember if you haven't checked the items above you
may get the same effect.

 The front follows the same technique with the exception of the swinging arm.


 More than likely if the bearings have gone then there will be other associated problems but
today we are working on bearings in Mister Shade Tree's shop.


 First take out the offending wheel and clean it.

 Inspect the spindle for wear and rust and encrusted mud/grease

 Remove the Brake plate and shoes, check that over later

 Gently pry out any rubber dust covers and check to see if your bike has any retaining circlips....
if it does remove them with the correct tool.



Using my old friend the "tire spoon" for the perfect radius, a screwdriver may break
the wire seal




Up she comes!

 Now before we ruin any tools, throw a tantrum in the workshop, and start hurling things
around get the RIGHT TOOL!  yes, many of us in the past have done this with screwdrivers
and hammers, sometimes it works, and sometimes NOT! Because the pressure is being applied
non uniformly, you can either damage the hub where the bearing fits or knock out the inner race
and ball bearings leaving the outer firmly wedged in the hub.... now you have a real problem!
So, get the right tool, either buy it or "borrow"




All the inserts for each bearing size, two bars to spread the jaws on the inserts


 Step1, find the correct fitting and insert fully into bearing.






Tap in flush


Step 2, with the extractor tool, on a firm surface, inset the blade into the tool from the other side
and hammer in for a tight fit to splay the jaws.






Step 3, knock out the bearing and the center tube will drop out, repeat for the other bearing.




YUK! that's rusty

Step 4, gently tap in the new bearing until flush, then using the old one tap in until seating is
achieved







Step 5, I usually clean the axle/spindle and spacing tube with a flap wheel and lightly file the
inside of the tube to remove any rust.



Nasty!



NICE!


Step 6, grease center tube and replace, then tap in bearing on far side and replace dust seals.






Change to the Rubber Hammer for the dust seal



Step 7, lightly grease the spindle before refitting





 All done, remember bearings are universal so you can buy them fairly cheaply from a bearing
shop or your local bike shop but DO buy the double seal type.


Another difficult job made easy!


TONY DOWN


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