A wheel bearing failure at riding speed can lead to a serious crash, or if you get lucky, may just ruin some expensive parts, including wheel hubs, axles, etc. So don't neglect them, because they’re important and easy to forget about. The owner's manual or shop manual are good places to start for determining wheel bearing inspection intervals and service procedures. Most modern bikes have ball-type wheel bearings that are designed with seals that keep you from being able to add grease.
These sealed wheel bearings can last as long as you own the bike, if you treat them right. However, overloading the motorcycle, riding in deep water that goes over the hubs, directing a pressure washer or hose on the center hub areas, doing wheelies, jumps or riding hard on rugged terrain will reduce their service life, as will neglecting to lubricate bearings that can be greased. Observe the manufacturer's guidelines for inspecting and replacing wheel bearings, and change them whenever you notice excessive wear or looseness. So, how can you tell if they need replaced? It all starts with a visual inspection.
During tire changes is a great opportunity to check and maintain your wheel bearings. With the bike safely supported on a motorcycle jack or center stand, turn the tire and wheel assembly by hand and attempt to get the wheel to move side to side, to feel for any slack or play in the bearings. If you can feel looseness, the wheel bearings need further inspection.
When the wheel is off, push a finger in the hole where the axle goes and try to turn the bearing. If the bearing sticks as you turn it, or feels rough, it's faulty. Also look for any metal dust or rust around the bearings. If any of these problems are found, replace the bearings as a set. With the wheel off, stick a finger into the center hole of the bearing and feel how it turns by hand. It should be smooth and not feel loose or stick anywhere.
These sealed wheel bearings can last as long as you own the bike, if you treat them right. However, overloading the motorcycle, riding in deep water that goes over the hubs, directing a pressure washer or hose on the center hub areas, doing wheelies, jumps or riding hard on rugged terrain will reduce their service life, as will neglecting to lubricate bearings that can be greased. Observe the manufacturer's guidelines for inspecting and replacing wheel bearings, and change them whenever you notice excessive wear or looseness. So, how can you tell if they need replaced? It all starts with a visual inspection.
During tire changes is a great opportunity to check and maintain your wheel bearings. With the bike safely supported on a motorcycle jack or center stand, turn the tire and wheel assembly by hand and attempt to get the wheel to move side to side, to feel for any slack or play in the bearings. If you can feel looseness, the wheel bearings need further inspection.
When the wheel is off, push a finger in the hole where the axle goes and try to turn the bearing. If the bearing sticks as you turn it, or feels rough, it's faulty. Also look for any metal dust or rust around the bearings. If any of these problems are found, replace the bearings as a set. With the wheel off, stick a finger into the center hole of the bearing and feel how it turns by hand. It should be smooth and not feel loose or stick anywhere.
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