Wheel bearing replacement

[DeeG]

Since I have the wheels off for new rubber, I thought I might swap out the wheel bearings.  Based on the way the steering head bearing looked, I'm thinking that the wheel bearings didn't get much love either.

Picked up a couple sets of bearings... one set for the back, one for the front and one set for the swing arm.

I've been reading up as I've been told this isn't a straightforward R & R.  Got Snowbums page printed out and I'm perusing Mr Ausherman's site as well.  I found the bearing article, but....  he has one for the /2's and the /5 page only references   R50/5, R60/5, R75/5, R50/6, R60/6, R75/6, R90/6, R90S, R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS. 

I don't want to assume that that the 45/65 series is the same, but is it?

I have an R90/6 and an R75/5 that I need to do as well, but those are under covers and resting comfortably until I have more time.  :-)

[Justin B.]

I've never checked to make sure if the sizes are different but even if they are the same procedure would apply to get the proper bearing preload.  I personally don't replace any bearing unless there is obvious wear or damage.

[georgesgiralt]

Hello,
BMW used top quality bearings. if !you have bought premium brand bearings, it will be easy to shim properly because the previous shimming will be good.
Precision machines are so good these days that every dimension in the spec is perfectly matched.
Of course if Frantz at the factory has somewhat messed up, the shimming won't be good.. It is of course good to check though.
Just my 2¢

[Tony Smith]

Hello,
BMW used top quality bearings. if !you have bought premium brand bearings, it will be easy to shim properly because the previous shimming will be good.

I agree, with one modification. I would have taken a peek to see what brand bearings were already fitted and gone out of my way to buy that brand. Setting the preload isn't difficult, it's just time consuming. Snowbum's "shake the wheel" method beckons.

[Barry]

'm perusing Mr Ausherman's site as well.  I found the bearing article, but....  he has one for the /2's and the /5 page only references   R50/5, R60/5, R75/5, R50/6, R60/6, R75/6, R90/6, R90S, R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS.

I don't want to assume that that the 45/65 series is the same, but is it?

In principle yes except for for normal shimming there is no need to go through the nonsense of removing the whole stack to set the pre-load. Just replace the bearings and use Duanes shake the wheel method to check the shimming. Don't worry that's it's a difficult or tricky job as if my bike was anything to go by you will easily do it better than the factory.

If you don't have a proper wheel balancing rig you might want to take the opportunity to check the wheel balance on cleaned and oiled bearings with no seals fitted.

[DadsR65]

Here's my method:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/new-airhead-project.1260761/page-14#post-34670270

[georgesgiralt]

Very nice restoration !

[DeeG]

Here's my method:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/new-airhead-project.1260761/page-14#post-34670270

Very nice!  My restoration is taking a bit longer..... I last rode it to the MOA National in Redmond, OR about 10 years ago.  It gets attention when I have a few spare minutes.  :-)