Rear Wheel Bearing Service

[Bob_Roller]

Working on the '82 LS, the previous owner had the wheels powder coated white, but during reassembly, looks like he forgot to install the 'hat' bushing on the left side of the bearing stack-up, the rear axle is in too far, the extraction hole in the axle, is in the pinch area of the swing arm .

After installing the bushing, how do you check the preload of the bearing ?

On the front, it's easy, as all you have to do, is to install the wheel without the calipers on, tighten the axle nut and do the check .

Rear wheel complicates that with the spline drive .

I'd like to make sure it's correct, seeing as how parts were left out, who knows what else might not be correct .

[montmil]

Oh, the angst of airhead rear wheel bearing preload. [smiley=wall.gif] Snowbum has written a lengthy tome that will keep you up nights worrying.

But wait. There's a way out of the darkness. Somewhere on the www, there's a photo essay on rear wheel bearing preload that lets you breath easy. As I recall, it's a two person chore. Goes something like this:

Get everything all back together with the bike on the center stand and rear wheel off the ground. Tighten up the rear axle to the point that the wheel begins to resist your turning it by hand. This is to seat the bearings and squish out any grease that been over packed.

Loosen up the axle nut a bit to where you can get some side-to-side wiggle when you grab the tire at top and bottom. Try alternately pushing the top and pulling the bottom.

Have your helper begin to slowly snug up the axle nut. You keep wiggling the tire side-to-side until the wiggles go away. Off topic question: Any of you Aussies be Wiggles fans? My grandkids loved 'em.

OK. As the wheel's looseness disappears, you going to be very close to a good bearing preload with a gentle snug up, then stop. Check the manual for torque specs. It's not a big number. If you wish, use the beam wrench to confirm that you're close enough.

This technique is almost identical to the technique used on the tapered rear wheel bearings on my VW Cabriolet except the tire is turned to a stop, then the axle nut is backed off one flat and pinned.

Hope this is helpful to you.

[Bob_Roller]

Thanks Monti, I didn't think it was an overly complicated process, but after hearing so much fussing over this subject, (like a lot of other areas of the bike), just thought I'd check for basic procedure .

On my '81 R65, I'd tell the shop to do a bearing service on every other tire change, so this is one of the few areas where I don't have any experience with .

Is the standard automotive 'fiberous' type wheel bearing grease suitable for this ?

I pack the bearings by hand, until you can't move the bearing with your fingers .

[montmil]

...Is the standard automotive 'fiberous' type wheel bearing grease suitable for this ?

It's just dandy!

Monti, with an E

[montmil]

...the rear axle is in too far, the extraction hole in the axle, is in the pinch area of the swing arm.

BTW, after fitting a new top hat, you'll gonna need the longer axle.

[Bob_Roller]

It's the correct axle, I compared it to the other LS, and they are the same length .

[MrRiden]

Bob,
I do have the bearing stack complete on my LS and the extraction hole in the axle is partially in the pinch area of the swing arm on mine as well.

[Bob_Roller]

The grease seal on the left side, is about 3/16th's of an inch recessed, there's no 'hat' bushing under the seal, the step on the rear axle goes past the grease seal and contacts the bearing, not good .

So I know I've got an issue there .