Check out these bearings w/ only 55k miles!

When I picked up my bike over the weekend, I knew it had something wrong up front as my dad had described a "horrible metal on metal sound" from the front end. I was able to move the wheel quite a bit while leaving the front forks stationary....so I knew it was front bearings. I tapped out the bearings last night, so check out these suckers! Both left and right bearings are bad, but the right one is horrible!








As soon as my wife gives me some of my money, I'll order a new set of All Balls bearings for the front end. I'll then get to the rear end, the swing arm, and the steering bearings at a later date. The other bearings are not showing any indication of failing at the moment, but I'm sure they're not too far off after looking at the condition of these front wheel bearings.

 

Can you say lack of maintenance?? Those are the easiest bearings to replace also---sad just sad. So many clueless souls.

 

That's the same size bearing used in a lot of car and truck alternators. You can get them at any rebuild shop and probably cheaper.
BTW.... the KOYO brand is the best on the market.

 

Yes, the front bearings are easy to change out. I installed "All Balls" brand sealed bearings this evening. I also knocked out a brake fluid flush while I was up in the front end. In the near future, I'll be knocking out the rear end fluid, oil change, and installing a K&N filter (instead of stock paper filter).

 

Nice work. Your XJ will thank you. Be sure and put your bike in your signature line so we all know what your working on.

I had a K&N in my 550 but it was running too lean so I went back to the stocker-I didn't want to mess with bigger jets and I really can't tell any difference in acceleration. I suppose I might get a second set of carbs up the jets and do some experimenting some winter to come. But for I now I need it to go and go cheaply-gas wise

Based on your handle 'warthog...' do you get to work on those awesome machines? If I could own a military plane I would want a Warthog, they are amazing. That 30mm cannon is devastating and fun to watch it go to work. I really like all the redundant systems and extensive armor it has. Pretty impressive that it can be repeatedly hit and keep on flying!

 

this kinda makes me want to replace mine just because i can, lol

 

Mine went out as I pulled into my driveway. The front tire actually locked up when I stopped. I had a real sick feeling when I took it apart and found out what it was. Glad it didn't happen on the freeway or something.

MN

 

Same size, but is it the same quality ?? The motorcycle has a far heavier load, but much lower RPM.

 

Yes, as far as the KOYO's are concerned because they are still made in Japan. Most of the other brands are made in China and don't last long.
When I was a alternator/starter rebuilder, it was common to have former customers return 5-10 years later and the bearings would still be good.
If you think the alternator bearings are less capable, just keep in mind the continual tension from the belt, high rpm's and extended use.
So you could go to a rebuild shop or auto parts store and get the same bearings, but if it is made in China: just say no thanks.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yes, as far as the KOYO's are concerned because they are still made in Japan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
er, not exactly true, got a koyo factory 2 miles from where i live, in good old yorkshire uk,
cheers
stu :wink:

 

UK is good too, I'm sure. Probably have a factory in Korea as well, but I'm sure they are far better than made in China.

 

I got a set of All Ball bearings for the front. It was about $17 and that had all the grease seals too! Took about 30 minutes to change out.... piece of cake!

Yes, I work on the Warthog. I'm currently an instructor teaching new airmen how to be crew chiefs on the sweetest plane in the USAF!

 

Had to replace mine at 11K.
You may want to change the rear ones also.
My rear ones were as bad as the front ones.

 

I checked for play on the rear ones...there's some life left in these. I'll be changing out the rear ones when I start the partial tear down of my XJ here soon. Still riding it for now, but am waiting until my CB350 is dialed in so that I am not without a ride.

The rear bearings are pretty inexpensive too. All Balls also makes swing arm bushings/bearings and those also get neglected.