Close Call

[icandoitfaster]

Had an issue with my back tire during last weekends two day ride. the back end of the bike seemed to have a mind of its own. Got home and took my girl to my service guy to replace both tires. Found out my rear right bearing was shot. It was so bad I had lost a number of balls out of the bearing and the bearing had begun to damage the axle (I think that's what he said). Anyway, $900 later and it's all fixed and ready to go for this weekend. Close call for me. Had my wife on the back all last weekend. Wouldn't have been good if we had gone down because of this bearing. Thank God we're OK.

[gordonv]

Amen!

Wow, your first sign was wobbling? It should have been hearable, like sand being ground. I know you fixed your exhaust too, so it's a lot quieter too. I know you, you would have had it looked at if you had heard it to.

Question, was it the single row bearing (that would be the left side)?

[icandoitfaster]

I actually heard it grinding the whole time we were on our 6000 mile trip but thought it was the rear break rubbing. Checked the brake pads often but they were good. Didn't know that sound could mean the bearing was going.

Came off the ferry on the island and the rear was really loose, especially if Alison shifted to the right side of her seat. Dropped the girls off in downtown Victoria to shop and found the nearest dealer. Took three hours before the mechanic could look at it. He said the back tire was toast but he wouldn't replace it because they were closing in one hour and I needed to be home for Monday (this was late Saturday afternoon). We left and headed to Sooke.

Next morning rode it out to Port Renfrew fighting the twisties all the way (bike would dive into corners and rubbing noise was getting worse). Rode all the way back to the Swartz Bay ferry, then home in the dark on the slab from Tswwassen and then out to Abbotsford to my service guy the next day.

Alison and I were so fortunate the bearing didn't give way completely on the freeway in the dark on Sunday night. That could have had disasterous results. Service guys said the right bearing was so bad that the little metal balls had begun to fall out of the case. Total cost for front and rear tires, rear right bearing, repair to axle and an oil change came out to $900 including taxes. I'm feeling pretty lucky right now and don't mind paying the bill at all this time.

Thank God we weren't hurt!

[The emperor has no clothes]

I actually heard it grinding the whole time we were on our 6000 mile trip but thought it was the rear break rubbing. Checked the brake pads often but they were good. Didn't know that sound could mean the bearing was going.

Came off the ferry on the island and the rear was really loose, especially if Alison shifted to the right side of her seat. Dropped the girls off in downtown Victoria to shop and found the nearest dealer. Took three hours before the mechanic could look at it. He said the back tire was toast but he wouldn't replace it because they were closing in one hour and I needed to be home for Monday (this was late Saturday afternoon). We left and headed to Sooke.

Next morning rode it out to Port Renfrew fighting the twisties all the way (bike would dive into corners and rubbing noise was getting worse). Rode all the way back to the Swartz Bay ferry, then home in the dark on the slab from Tswwassen and then out to Abbotsford to my service guy the next day.

Alison and I were so fortunate the bearing didn't give way completely on the freeway in the dark on Sunday night. That could have had disasterous results. Service guys said the right bearing was so bad that the little metal balls had begun to fall out of the case. Total cost for front and rear tires, rear right bearing, repair to axle and an oil change came out to $900 including taxes. I'm feeling pretty lucky right now and don't mind paying the bill at all this time.

Thank God we weren't hurt!

I am glad you guys are alright too. Any number of bad things could have happened. As I'm sure you are aware of. As the saying goes "sometimes it better to be lucky than good". It's crazy what we are willing to do to make it back to work on time. I rode thru 200 miles of ice and snow one time because I had to make it back for work. 

[gordonv]

Total cost for front and rear tires, rear right bearing, repair to axle and an oil change came out to

Sounds like you had a good ride, except for that scary feeling.

I was asking about the bearing, because if I have it right, the right side bearing is the double row bearing, left is single, and there is only about 2 or 3 reports of the double row bearing failing.

That's why most replace the single row bearing with a double and make some mods on there spacer.

It could also have been a LOT bigger bill, but sounds nasty enough. The bearing outer race takes out the wheel and final drive. So I can still hang onto my spare rear rim and axle, you don't need it? We can check yours in the future sometime.

[icandoitfaster]

Yeah, in hindsight it was stupid to try and get home when I was positive something serious was wrong, especially with my lady riding along with me. It's insane what we will consider when a work deadline looms ahead.  Oh well, "live and learn"!!!

My service guy has been fixing Hondas for over 35 years so I'm confident he has my girl back in tip top condition.  He wouldn't let me back on it unless he was able to make it right!  Thanks for the offer but I think it's safe for you to sell your stuff.  I only buy used parts if they're cosmetic........working functional original bike parts are always new no matter what the cost!

p

[icandoitfaster]

Meathead,
This summer I took the exact same shot as your avatar (only without you in it).     
The Black Hills have become one of my newest favorite places to ride.
paul

[The emperor has no clothes]

Meathead,
This summer I took the exact same shot as your avatar (only without you in it).     
The Black Hills have become one of my newest favorite places to ride.
paul

It was great. That pic was from last years Inzane.

[icandoitfaster]

Might get a chance to ride that area again next year if Inzane is anywhere near North West Wyoming