Where to get bearings?

[Dave Weaver]

Am gonna do the double row bearing mod to rear wheel.  Where can I get good quality bearings without spending a fortune?

[gordonv]

In this case, I would find a local shop where you can go up to the counter and talk to a person face-to-face. Every city has them, machinery needs fixing.

You can then stress how reliable you want this bearing to be, as your life is riding on it.

[nogrey]

Am gonna do the double row bearing mod to rear wheel.  Where can I get good quality bearings without spending a fortune?

The double row rear bearing is a standard 5204 bearing. They do, however, come in several flavors depending on what materials you want, seals and type of seals, expected RPM speed etc. I’ve been using 5204RS for some time with no issues. I have not done the mod you are talking about but it makes good sense. You can order the 5204’s from “all balls racing” on line, but you can also simply go to a supplier as gordonv above said and I have to agree with his assertion that a face to face across the counter from a knowledgable rep will probably land you the best bearing for your application. Those double row’s are quite stout, and having two on the rear wheel really lightens up their shared duty. I wouldn’t be afraid to order them online. Choice is yours.

[Jess from VA]

I just used the Honda double row bearings.

The whole idea is to never lose that single row rear bearing again (out in the wilds of WVa) (like has happened to many Valkers).  

So why compromise?  (there are other top tier bearings though)

I ordered it and the extra spacer (to take to a machine shop to cut down for me) together. 

[sixlow]

I've done the double row mod and these seem good quality, so far so good in 3 years 30k miles and made in U.S.A..
www.usabearingsandbelts.com

[Savage]

After TWO disastrous losses of the single row bearing while touring, I did the double row bearing mod with OEM bearings and am good to go 70k+ later.

[h13man]

Am gonna do the double row bearing mod to rear wheel.  Where can I get good quality bearings without spending a fortune?

The double row rear bearing is a standard 5204 bearing. They do, however, come in several flavors depending on what materials you want, seals and type of seals, expected RPM speed etc. I’ve been using 5204RS for some time with no issues. I have not done the mod you are talking about but it makes good sense. You can order the 5204’s from “all balls racing” on line, but you can also simply go to a supplier as gordonv above said and I have to agree with his assertion that a face to face across the counter from a knowledgable rep will probably land you the best bearing for your application. Those double row’s are quite stout, and having two on the rear wheel really lightens up their shared duty. I wouldn’t be afraid to order them online. Choice is yours.

Not a big fan of All Balls brand. Put a set in the Vulcan rear wheel and they felt used already. Buy USA/Japan made bearings.

[berto]

Is there a link to the double bearing mod ??   Thanks

[Jess from VA]

Yes, down around the middle of our SHOPTALK link list.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/5204_bearing_mod.pdf

[h13man]

Yes, down around the middle of our SHOPTALK link list.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/5204_bearing_mod.pdf

Good read except the bearing press method seem a little vague. I use the same method but using the old bearing as my "press washers" that way the pressure is applied to the outer race of the new bearing instead of the inner race which is a no-no. With this mod is there still room for the outer seal to perform properly?

[Jess from VA]

Yes, down around the middle of our SHOPTALK link list.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/5204_bearing_mod.pdf

Good read except the bearing press method seem a little vague. I use the same method but using the old bearing as my "press washers" that way the pressure is applied to the outer race of the new bearing instead of the inner race which is a no-no. With this mod is there still room for the outer seal to perform properly?

I don't have a bearing press (or pull).  It turns out my spare pinion cup is a perfect fit to the extreme outer edge of the bearing(s); much more exacting than a big fat socket.  I froze the bearing over night, and it only took a couple light taps with a rubber mallet on the back of the pinion cup to seat it in the pocket.  I know whacking them in is a harry homeowner method (that's me), but I have many thousands of miles on both my interstates with the mod with no problem at all.

The exposed outer edge is a good question.  I just gave them a coating of grease (once) and done. (and stay out of there with a pressure washer)

Back when this was originally discussed, someone pointed out a thin Nilos Ring could be added to cover the exposed end.  Then there was a discussion of whether a few thousandths extra material should be cut off the cut down spacer to accommodate the few thousandths extra width of the Nilos Ring.  Some said yeah, others no.  It sounded like a good idea, but I didn't do it.  Of course, you have to get the right one for the 5204 bearing (and I don't know which one that is).

I think it is noteworthy that of the many people who have done this mod, no one (to my knowledge) has ever come back with a failed double row mod (whether due to the exposed end or not).  

Nilos Rings:   https://www.skf.com/binary/30-228382/950-710-Nilos_08.pdf



I don't know if this is the right type ring, just posted for an idea of fitment.