For my ST1100, do I open and re-pack some fresh (sealed) rear wheel bearings? Or as the man in the shop said " They'll be fine, just leave them as they are."....?
Sealed wheel bearings
- Thread starter Roger
- Start date
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
If they are new and sealed on both sides, leave them alone.
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
Sealed bearing are pre-lubricated for the life of the bearing. Bearings can actually be destroyed if over lubricated with grease as they will heat up too much. Not to much of an issue on the ST wheels but many automobile wheel bearing are ruined due to over-greasing.
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If you never use a pressure washer to blast crud away from the bearing areas, the sealed wheel bearings, whether OEM or aftermarket, should last for 100,000 miles in most cases, without any interventions. Some things don't warrant getting anal over.
OP
OP
Thanks for the confirmation - I'll fit them as they are.
I'm only changing wheels because 'my' wheel is corroding/flaking and leaking air....
...The left bearing that I removed (brake side) was showing signs of rust and there were no signs of grease on/round/near the outer seal, so the previous owner (second hand wheel) either didn't bother or didn't care. It's getting powder coated as I write.
For me, I always add a little grease to the seal on the left side at every tyre change. I never pressure wash anything - and hardly ever 'normal' wash it either! I certainly stay well away from the axles, ...that area only gets is a wipe with an oily rag.
I'm only changing wheels because 'my' wheel is corroding/flaking and leaking air....
...The left bearing that I removed (brake side) was showing signs of rust and there were no signs of grease on/round/near the outer seal, so the previous owner (second hand wheel) either didn't bother or didn't care. It's getting powder coated as I write.For me, I always add a little grease to the seal on the left side at every tyre change. I never pressure wash anything - and hardly ever 'normal' wash it either! I certainly stay well away from the axles, ...that area only gets is a wipe with an oily rag.
If you are powder-coating the wheels, the bearing will need to be removed. If you have removed the bearing, it should be replaced. I always start a set of used wheels with new bearings just so I have a known clean starting point and a mileage log on the wheel. Adding grease under the shaft seal (not the bearing seal) is good extra protection to water intrusion. I use Red n' Tacky grease
From someone who has packed more than his fair share of truck bearings over the years, thank the lord for pre lubed sealed bearings. Leave em be and enjoy the advance in bearing tech. They cost next to bugger all to replace anyway.
Upt'North.
Upt'North.
Mophead
Site Supporter
I remember in 2000 all the rage in the MC mags was Harley has gone to sealed wheel bearings. I never had a bike that didn't have sealed wheel bearings. In all my years of riding I may have replaced two because of feeling rough, not because of failure. Have replaced several while having wheels powder coated and that's about it. One of the more reliable parts on the bike really. Just check them every time you put on a new tire.
OP
OP
Of course! Going round getting quotes for the powder coating, the one I picked was the only one who mentioned taking out the bearings - and he showed a lot of interest in where/how the disk brake and rubber dampers fitted. A plus point in my book. ..........I hope he does a good job!
Point taken - One bearing is Japanese, the other Austrian - should I be worried?
I have ridden on non-sealed bearings on airhead BMW's since 1976. They have to be re-greased about every other tire change which requires heating the hub to remove them and new seals. They had to be pre-loaded correctly just like steering head bearings. When BMW went to sealed wheel bearings on the airheads in 1985 it was a good day.
The only bearing failure I ever had was a sealed front wheel bearing on a 1991 ST1100 in Erie, PA. It locked and released (exciting!) and then squealed like a cat was hung up in it until I got the bike to the side of the road. It is also the only time in 50 years on motorcycles that I had to get a bike towed to a service site. The bike had 40,000 miles on it at the time. I bought it new and it had never been subjected to a pressure wash.
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
If I remember correctly Honda OEM bearings had seals only on one side with the internal part of the bearing open inside the hub. I could be wrong about this with the St1100's but it was so on the smaller bikes.
John OoSTerhuis
Life Is Good!
All original OEM wheel bearings on my 1991 ST1100 had seals on both sides.