Re-packing front wheel bearings?

[AlfromNH]

The front wheel bearings on my bike are nice and tight and smooth, with no noises. In other words, there's no indication they need replacement. But since I'm going front-to-back on this bike, I was planning on re-packing them.

It seems as tho that's not quite that simple. The Clymer manual says not to remove them unless they are being replaced. They're pressed in, etc...

Should I leave well enough alone?

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
These bearings are not ball bearings, so you can remove the inner race without destroying anything (unless your bike is an LS).
To do so, remove the wheel, then remove the spacer onto which the lip seal lip rolls, this has to be done carefully in order not to mar the seal, then with a large and flat screwdriver, remove the lip seal, using the screwdriver as a lever, a little bit at a time on the circumference, then you can remove the inner race to clean it and repack it with a good bearing grease. Installation is made by reversing the above procedure. Once done on one side, you've to do the other one ;-)
This should be done at every tire change. but YMMMV

[AlfromNH]

Ok, that's simple enough- thanks!

[Barry]

If you are going to re-use the seals (and I do if they are undamaged) it's better to use a proper seal removal tool or devise something that works on the same principle i.e. has a fulcrum in the middle of the bearing rather than levering on the seal rubber.  Also when refitting the seal put the top hat spacer in first to minimise damage to the seal.  Another tip when removing the inner race is to look out for the wedding ring spacer and possibly shims behind the bearing. They can fall out and you don't want to lose those as it will affect bearing pre-load which while you are at it should be checked anway.