Wheel Bearing RemovalQuestion: I have both front and rear wheels off the bike to replace the wheel bearings. 1.) Front wheel- how do you remove the old bearings? 2.) Rear wheel- How do you remove the old bearings? Thank you... {Harry, Jacksonville FL 1976 Honda CB750K Super Sport} Answer:The process to remove wheel bearings from motorcycle rims is the same, in principle, across all bike manufacturers.
The proper way to remove bearings from a rim is with either a blind bearing puller or a bearing removal tool. The blind bearing puller is expensive and not something a do-it-yourselfer would normally have on hand. Wheel bearing removal tool kits can be found on
A few Bearing Removal Kits on eBay. Where are my Wheel Bearings?Before you attempt to remove the wheel bearings you must find them. Once you get the rims off the bike there are still some small pieces to remove.Below you will see schematics of the front and rear wheels on the 1976 Honda CB750F. The instructions reference the numbered items in the diagram.
Front Wheel Remove the speedometer gear box, gear box cover and gear box retainer (15, 9 & 8). Turn the wheel over. With a flat screwdriver and a pick, pop out the o-ring (21), dust seal (20) and front wheel bearing retainer (10).
Rear Wheel Remove the rear wheel bearing retainer (7) and dust seal (31). Turn the rim over and take off the final drive flange(16) and remove the o ring (32). Removing the BearingsObviously the easiest way to perform any task is with the proper tool.
No Tool?If you want to try it without purchasing the tool you can use a drift (like a tapered punch) or a curved chisel, with a vise grip, and hammer or mallet to drive the bearings out. Position the rim on a sturdy surface, like a heavy duty work bench. Trying to do this on the floor will be awkward, but it can be done if that's all you have to work with. Place the chisel through the center of the rim on the back edge of the lower bearing while bypassing the upper bearing. The bearings cannot be driven out together. You can not push the upper bearing into the lower one and through the rim. Clamp the vise grip on the chisel. Hold the vise grip, not the chisel or drift. Your non-smashed fingers will thank you. Take the time to position the chisel with care. Work your way around the bearing, using a moderate amount of force. Too light and it will take forever. Too hard and your rim could be damaged. Removing bearings this way can be very difficult. Take your time. Maybe get a friend or one of your kids to hold the rim steady. We recommend buying a wheel bearing removal kit. You should be able to get a decent one for under $50. Leave Wheel Bearing for Need to Know pages |
