IS Wheel bearings - When to replace and the tools needed?

[GJS]

Hi All,

As I have previously mentioned, I am rebuilding a 99IS.
In typical renovation style, the scope of the project keeps expanding. You know; the 'while I'm at it', 'it makes sense to do it now' and 'this will be easier to do now', project expansion syndrome!

So.... While I'm at it, I thought I should do the wheels bearings. The bike has 60,000 miles on it and both wheels are off.
I have the replacement bearings, but not the tool referred to in the manual for removing or pushing out the old ones.

Does anyone have a picture of this tool, or a part#. I had a part# but the local Honda dealer could not make sense of it. He insisted this should be done by the dealer for safety reasons and was not very forthcoming with any information that might help me.

I was not having any issues with the old bearings, I just thought 60K might be a resonable time to do the preventative maintenace whilst I had everything so taken apart.

Thoughts? Should I do this now?
Seems like it should be easy to do, I've just never done it before. I successfully completed replacing all my fork seals;I figure it can't be any worse than that!

Best regards,

Glenn

[Willow]

Does anyone have a picture of this tool, or a part#.
...
I was not having any issues with the old bearings, I just thought 60K might be a resonable time to do the preventative maintenace whilst I had everything so taken apart.

My first rear bearing went out at 110K.  The second went at 142K.  I don't think miles has a lot to do with bearing failure. 

Both times were the single row bearing although I replaced the set.  I don't think I've heard of the double row bearing going out.  Next time I change them I'll do the mod to use the double row bearing on both sides.

The tool you need is a standard bearing puller.  You can probably get one on loan from an auto parts store.  We borrowed one from Autozone.

[MP]

I use the same tool I do here on the farm for all my bearings.  A heavy punch from the other side.  Hit evenly, so it comes out straight.

I did the double heavy bearing mod.


MP

[Ricky-D]

You can certainly feel a bad bearing with your finger. Do it inside in a warm room with the wheel being warm and also your hand being warm.

Replacing a good bearing is foolhardy.

There is no projected lifetime for the wheel bearings.

Dwell on the important things.

***

[Joe Hummer]

My first rear bearing went out at 110K.  The second went at 142K.  I don't think miles has a lot to do with bearing failure. 

Both times were the single row bearing although I replaced the set.  I don't think I've heard of the double row bearing going out.  Next time I change them I'll do the mod to use the double row bearing on both sides.

The tool you need is a standard bearing puller.  You can probably get one on loan from an auto parts store.  We borrowed one from Autozone.

Do you have information on the double row bearing mod? 

Joe

[hubcapsc]

Howdy Glenn...

It's pretty easy, cause I did it 

No one's mentioned yet about putting the new one in. I drove it in with a big socket
and a hammer. The socket was a little bit smaller than the OD of the bearing (so that it
wouldn't get stuck) and big enough so that it only touched the outer wall of the bearing.
It will void your bearing warranty  if you strike on anything other than the outer wall.

Honda makes a bearing driver and an "attachment" (the attachment does the job of the
socket), here's a picture of the driver and a couple of attachments for an example, you'd
have to double check the manual for a part number to get the right attachment for
a wheel bearing...



-Mike

[mirion]

That's OK Glen, I'm foolhardy also because at 58,000 I'm putting in wheel bearings, fork seals, petcock rebuild, o-rings, desmog and a few other things. My theory here in Michigan is get ready for the next riding season by taking care of things when we can't ride so they don't break when we can.

[X Ring]

My first rear bearing went out at 110K.  The second went at 142K.  I don't think miles has a lot to do with bearing failure. 

Both times were the single row bearing although I replaced the set.  I don't think I've heard of the double row bearing going out.  Next time I change them I'll do the mod to use the double row bearing on both sides.

The tool you need is a standard bearing puller.  You can probably get one on loan from an auto parts store.  We borrowed one from Autozone.

Do you have information on the double row bearing mod? 



Joe

I submitted an article to Scott for Shoptalk on the double Row Bearing Mod.  If anyone wants a copy shoot me an email at ppcshooter1(Remove This)@msn.com

Marty

[Warlock]

My first rear bearing went out at 110K.  The second went at 142K.  I don't think miles has a lot to do with bearing failure. 

Both times were the single row bearing although I replaced the set.  I don't think I've heard of the double row bearing going out.  Next time I change them I'll do the mod to use the double row bearing on both sides.

The tool you need is a standard bearing puller.  You can probably get one on loan from an auto parts store.  We borrowed one from Autozone.

Do you have information on the double row bearing mod? 

Joe

The difference between the left side bearing and the right side is 6.6 mm. I took the spacer from the left side and took 0.265 off of the side that seats against the bearing. Installed the double row bearing. The only thing to remember is the dust seal will no longer fit. Once you put the double row bearing in the left side you only have about 1mm left. I just took some good water proof grease and coated the out side of the bearing. The double row has shields on them already. I just put the grease on them for my own piece of mind. I'm sure you could put a thin coat of silicone on it also.

[MP]

+1 Warlock, that is all you have to do.  Remove .265 off the spacer, and forget about the dust seal.  Done deal.

MP

[fudgie]

So you have 2 'larger' bearings on the rear instead of 2 different sizes? I assume you take a little off each side of the spacer?

[Warlock]

So you have 2 'larger' bearings on the rear instead of 2 different sizes? I assume you take a little off each side of the spacer?

Take it off from the side that seats against the bearing. Which would be the little end of the spacer.
David

[MP]

Fudgie:

Be careful.  May be a misunderstanding developing here.  There are TWO spacers.  A long one inside, between the two bearings, and a short one on the left side of the tire that goes between the brake bracket and the LH bearing.  That is the spacer we mean.  It has a large end, and a smaller end.  Take .265 off the smaller end.  The larger bearing will stick out farther than the OEM on the left side, so we need to make room for that.  Do NOT shorten the spacer in the middle of the wheel.  It spaces the bearings on the inside.  That dimension remains the same.

MP

[X Ring]

MP, I sent him a copy of my How To article with lots of pics. 

Marty

[fudgie]

Ok, I was thinking inner spacer but but visualized the outter one. 

I was gonna open your tech tomorrow at work x-ring so I can print with their paper!

[Warlock]

Ok, I was thinking inner spacer but but visualized the outter one. 

I was gonna open your tech tomorrow at work x-ring so I can print with their paper!

I do so much mechanic work I assume everyone knows which one I'm talking about  . Guess I need to start explaining better.
David

[GJS]

Thanks everyone!

Hubcapmc & Mike, I'm sure we all really appreciate the pictures & especially part#s!

Hubcapsc,
My bike looks a lot like your's at the moment.

Best regards,

Glenn