Wheel Bearing Removal

[Dave 2]

I was flipping through my Clymer yesterday and read that you should not put a torch to the wheel hub to remove wheel bearings because this could cause the wheel to deform. I took my wheels to a motorcycle tire specialist/machinist to remove the tires and bearings...He used a torch to heat up the hubs.   He put a lot of heat on them.  What do any of you think? Thanks D2

[Bob_Roller]

This process is not applicable to the R65, the only thing holding the bearings in the front wheel of an LS, is a press fit, the rear wheel bearings, the outer grease seal is all that holds them in .

On some larger bikes, possibly earlier bikes it was required .

Mike V. in Sandy Eggo, had some pictures of this when he did his '78  R100 .

[Dave 2]

Thank You Bob, I'm happy to hear that. D2

[montmil]

I've used a propane torch on the rear wheel hubs of both my R65s to aid in a more gentle removal of the outer bearing races. Not necessary to get it scorching hot; just bring it up to the finger tip test..."Jeez! Dat's hot!"

A long drift is used to access the back side of the race. It'll come out easily.

I also warm the hub and chill the new outer races before fitting into the hub. A large, matching O.D. socket is helpful in setting the new races.

Monte

[Dave 2]

Is it OK to take advice from a Rooster with a thingy?...if so, thanks Monte. D2

[Adrian]

This process is not applicable to the R65

Thanks for this Bob I always thought that this was a specialist process but if its that simple (he said tongue in cheek) then I'll be doing mine myself. I was attempting a spruce up of the old girl but the more I removed the more sorry she looks so its on to plan B and do a full resto.