2003 ST1300 - rear wheel bearings tight (not the flange bearings)

[yosso]

Decided to check the rear drive splines tonight as I was going to change the engine oil...

The inner race of the rear wheel bearing can not be turned by hand. If I take my blind hole bearing removal tool and tighten in the proper sleeve, I can then turn the bearing using the sleeve. There is a some "notchiness", but of course that could be from my attempt at removal using the slide hammer.

Is it normal for the two wheel bearings to be that tight?

Trying to decide to button it all back up and ride tomorrow or go ahead and order some new wheel bearings and ride the DRZ.

Any thoughts on the matter?

Thank you for your time.

Mike

 

[BakerBoy]

No, it is not normal for them to be that tight. Mine turn easily when I insert a gloved finger and twist. The only thing I can think of to be sure about is that the spacing collar between the left and right bearing inner races is concentric to the inner races... if it is displaced, the inner race may have to drag against it to turn, therefore it could feel like a bad bearing.

Let us know what you find.

 

[Byron]

Ride the DRZ and order the proper bearings.

 

[yosso]

Just the bearing on the right side (p/n 91053-MN5-003) was $41.95 from Ron Ayers, $87.06 for the four bearings and dust seal.

Found a complete rear wheel kit from Pivot Works for $56.95 and the Allballsracing.com has the kit w/o the o-riings for $45.81

Looks like I'll be placing an order. :-(

M.