Wheel bearings

What is the general consensus on bearings?

If the wheel spins freely without noise or grinding, is clean / grease and go ok?

Or do you always replace 45+ year old bearings? I've read a variety of opinions. I replaced the bearings on the Z50 project ... not easy to get out, but I now have the tools to do so.

I have also read some people saying that old bearings were much better constructed and of better quality, and better not to replace if they are in good shape.

I am all for refurbish / reuse, unless there is a true safety issue (which is why I am replacing the tires, even though one of my buddies keeps telling me they are round and hold air so why not ride ... ?)

[I think I got this one in the right forum!]

Interested to hear what you all think. When I have the wheels off for new tires would be the time to do it.

T.

I automatically replace wheel bearings on any bike I buy, same for brakes. Real ugly incident years ago from a failed bearing.

TMSHORT said:

[I think I got this one in the right forum!]

Click to expand...

You did

Since you'll already be there it makes good sense as Jim said.

Thanks for the input.

Jim - in retrospect, did you have any advance warning that there might be an issue?

No warning at all, just completed a lane change when the front wheel turned left.

LongDistanceRider said:

No warning at all, just completed a lane change when the front wheel turned left.

Click to expand...

Scary...

So I guess this brings the next question - what bearings do you guys like?

“OEM” from rockymountainatv, the “all balls” from 4into1, or ... ?

T.

I pull the bearing numbers from Partzilla, it's noted as
BEARING, RADIAL BALL (6302U)
and then I go to the local bearing supply house and buy the same bearing for 1/2 the price. They are standardized sizing throughout the world.

AllBalls kits, complete with seals. My best tip is go to the AllBalls website and get the kit number for your bike, search for that kit number on eBay and be amazed at the low prices you'll find. Sometimes they're listed with alternate applications but the same kit number.

I bought front and rear kits for my CB750K8 and the prices were less than anyone else was asking for just the rear kit.

The ebay seller I bought from was rj_atv

I buy sealed ball bearings, from the local industrial supply store, no need to pack them with grease before installation and no worries about grease contaminating the brake lining.