Front wheel bearings ?

[Lone Ranger]

Aside from when the front wheel bearings go bad, is there any time in mileage when they should be changed out? Do we do preventive maintenance or wait for them to go bad?

[flyerq68]

On my 1500, the bearings went bad front and rear within a couple thousand miles of each other around 55K. I have 112K on my '03 with no problem yet. I was planning to replace the bearings recently, even have them ready to go. My problem is removing the old ones. they are double stacked and the spacer is so tight I can't punch them out from the rear like I did with the 1500. So still waiting to figure out how to get this accomplished.

[Wheels]

Aside from when the front wheel bearings go bad, is there any time in mileage when they should be changed out? Do we do preventive maintenance or wait for them to go bad?

LR, I changed mine out at around 75K on the Black '01' and would make sure to check them for any "clicks, or play each time I changed the tire. FWIW

[Wheels]

On my 1500, the bearings went bad front and rear within a couple thousand miles of each other around 55K. I have 112K on my '03 with no problem yet. I was planning to replace the bearings recently, even have them ready to go. My problem is removing the old ones. they are double stacked and the spacer is so tight I can't punch them out from the rear like I did with the 1500. So still waiting to figure out how to get this accomplished.

Flyer, if you can not get a "puller" in there, I might suggest getting a concrete anchor bolt that is just smaller then the opening of the bearing and tighten until you get a "good grip" on the bearing and then use that as a puller.

Just a thought. (Don't ask me how I know this worked, LOL)

[flyerq68]

Flyer, if you can not get a "puller" in there, I might suggest getting a concrete anchor bolt that is just smaller then the opening of the bearing and tighten until you get a "good grip" on the bearing and then use that as a puller.

Just a thought. (Don't ask me how I know this worked, LOL)

Thanks for that Jim, that is a terrific idea. Funny thing is, I was working on a job yesterday where I used those concrete anchors for their intended purpose.

[Kit Carson]

On my 1500, the bearings went bad front and rear within a couple thousand miles of each other around 55K. I have 112K on my '03 with no problem yet. I was planning to replace the bearings recently, even have them ready to go. My problem is removing the old ones. they are double stacked and the spacer is so tight I can't punch them out from the rear like I did with the 1500. So still waiting to figure out how to get this accomplished.

What I do is this:

Go buy an 3/4 inch bolt 8 inches long. Lowes someplace like that, cut a two inch slot down the middle of the threaded end. Sit with the wheel on your legs angled a bit so you can control the depth of the bolt and drive a chisel or screwdriver into the slot. This spreads the threads out and they bite into the inner part of the bearing. Now with a hammer tap them out. One at a time. Easiest way I know to get them out.

To install them you can use a socket the right size and tap them back in. Or they have a good bearing seat tool you can get for about 20 bucks at places like pep boys etc just turn the head backwards and use the one the right size.

[flyerq68]

What I do is this:

Go buy an 3/4 inch bolt 8 inches long. Lowes someplace like that, cut a two inch slot down the middle of the threaded end. Sit with the wheel on your legs angled a bit so you can control the depth of the bolt and drive a chisel or screwdriver into the slot. This spreads the threads out and they bite into the inner part of the bearing. Now with a hammer tap them out. One at a time. Easiest way I know to get them out.

To install them you can use a socket the right size and tap them back in. Or they have a good bearing seat tool you can get for about 20 bucks at places like pep boys etc just turn the head backwards and use the one the right size.

Also a great idea, thanks

[Solidbob]

Every third tire change on the front, just always have that about 60,000 + miles depending on your riding style and how well you packed them.....

[jmohme]

Every third tire change on the front, just always have that about 60,000 + miles depending on your riding style and how well you packed them.....

I inspect them every time change tires, and will usually go over 100,000 miles on mine before changing them. I have really never had one go bad, but once removed, I don't see risking reusing them.

[TravelinLite]

LR, I wouldn't replace them until you started feeling a dragging/ or rough feel, or hear a grinding noise when you inspect the bearings. If concerned you could carry a complete set of bearings, along with the grease seals, with you. Then if they ever fail there are a variety of shops that can replace them....doesn't have to be a honda dealer. You just have to make sure that the rotors are protected.

Many honda shops don't stock the parts.

[Fred in GA]

Many honda shops don't stock the parts.

Add Fork Seals to that list also. What's in your trunk?

[orangecrate]

What I do is this: Just use a regular ole blind bearing puller. Being a mechanic can be a good thing. Hehehe. BTW, I do not just randomly change bearings but if one bearing goes bad, change all of them while you are in there. Partzilla.

[Kit Carson]

What I do is this: Just use a regular ole blind bearing puller. Being a mechanic can be a good thing. Hehehe. BTW, I do not just randomly change bearings but if one bearing goes bad, change all of them while you are in there. Partzilla.

Yea but we is not mechanics, we just take a nap under a shade tree once in awhile. :D

[Rocky]

There is no way to know when any bearing will fail. It either has no issues or it does?

That said:
Here is the correct in-expensive tool to use. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SUWPM8/...2T1_SC_3p_dp_1

Here is the OEM parts you'll need.
2 each- BEARING (6004) (X2)
91055-MCA-003

Left Seal= DUST SEAL (30X47X8)
91253-443-762

Right Seal= DUST SEAL (28X42X8)
91257-MAY-003

I get the best prices here-- http://www.partzilla.com/?gclid=CIGS...FYqPfgodvCEA0A

[wingleader09]

Thanks Rocky! Always great maintenance info.

[Wheels]

There is no way to know when any bearing will fail. It either has no issues or it does?

That said:
Here is the correct in-expensive tool to use. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SUWPM8/...2T1_SC_3p_dp_1

Here is the OEM parts you'll need.
2 each- BEARING (6004) (X2)
91055-MCA-003

Left Seal= DUST SEAL (30X47X8)
91253-443-762

Right Seal= DUST SEAL (28X42X8)
91257-MAY-003

I get the best prices here-- http://www.partzilla.com/?gclid=CIGS...FYqPfgodvCEA0A

Thanks for the lead on that puller Rocky.

[Pizza Man]

Mine are going to be changed next spring when I get the trike out of winter storage. I'll also need a new front MPA at that time. This time, I'll have it mounted the regular way, not reversed.

[macgyver0856]

Actually, one side of the sleeve is held with a ridge in the wheel to hold in place and another side is not. You can get a long punch in there and move the sleeve far enough to punch them out. If you can't get the sleeve to move, try flipping the wheel over.

[flyerq68]

Actually, one side of the sleeve is held with a ridge in the wheel to hold in place and another side is not. You can get a long punch in there and move the sleeve far enough to punch them out. If you can't get the sleeve to move, try flipping the wheel over.

That I didn't know, I did it that way with the 1500 but it was just a single bearing. Probably more difficult to punch out two at a time. I like Rockys suggestion and the puller he gave a link to, and I will definitely pick up one of those.

[Rick Mays]

I have used nothing but a Blind Bearing Puller. Works smooth and fast. Check em every tire change out, if there good to go, leave em! And for peace of mind even if they are still smooth at 100k. Change em out.