Front wheel bearing removal problems

[Keith in SC]

Finally time for a new front tire, and when I took of the wheel, my suspicions were confirmed.  One front wheel bearing was VERY tough to turn.  ( Bike was very difficult to roll out of the garage, especially compared to my buddies Valk)

Not a big problem, I reach into the tool box for the spare set of bearings to swap in.

BUT, I can't get to the old one out of the wheel.  I thought it would just pop out, or need to be tapped out from the other side with a long drift punch.  But no luck.  I did pop off the bearing seal to look at the balls.  Looks like the cage was preventing it from rotating smoothly.  55,000 miles.

Am I missing a trick?  Or is there some special/expensive/backordered tool I need to buy from the stealer?

Thanks in advance,

Keith in SC

[Patrick]

The bearing should come right out fairly easily.. You're doing the right thing as far I can tell from your post.. If your going to change both bearings then maybe try removing the 'good' one and see if comes out easier.. If it does then that will give a lot more ' whacking room' to get the bad bearing out..

[R J]

If the bearing outer ring has not spun in the wheel, it should come right out with a tad bit of persuasion.

Remember, there is a lip on the back side of the bearing in the hub.  Are you beating on it or do you have your drift in the little notch in this extra material..

The material I'm referring to is what the bearing taps in and rests on when installed.

DO NOT FORGET to put the spacer back inside the hub.....

[Master Blaster]

You can drift it out from the opposite side, you just need to displace the center spacer that goes through the wheel that the bearings set on, that will give you access to the back side of the bearing.  Also you can get it out with a slide hammer if all else fails.

[daytona]

make sure your on the brg! and get a BFH!   

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Anyone have an american supplier for bearings with part numbers?
I should probably replace mine at my next tire change.

[R J]

Jeff K has a cross over list.

It is:

http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

Save it...............

[John U.]

Keith, try this suggestion on Que Express' site: http://hammer.prohosting.com/~schutzrs/bearing.htm

[Keith in SC]

I got the bearing out.  Just needed a bit more 'persuasion'.  The one bearing was VERY firm in the wheel, the other just needed a firm tap to remove.  Trying to get my punch on the bearing with the spacer in the way was a P.I.T.A, finally we found just the right tool that fit.  An old screwdriver with the tip bent over 90°. 
Same thing putting in the new set, the problem side needed pretty hard taps to get it seated.  Wheel spins a lot more freely now.

Once I had that taken care of, we put on a new AVON Cobra.  Balanced out perfectly, no weights needed.  Haven't tested it yet, too rainy.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Keith in SC

[T.P.]

I just ordered all 4 for $29 + shipping   http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/Kit6936   need 1   http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/6204-2RS-1  need 3 

[6jugzz]

 Next time, U can get bearing pullers from Advance (borrow) for free. Try a little heat from a heat gun on the alumn around the bearing. It will heat up fast and grow some what, then knock it out from other side. A little penatrating oil might help too!