Bandit 1200 Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement

[@frostbitevinnie]

One trick I use with chain adj bolts is put a mark on a flat or point, whichever is most convenient, back them off four turns. Then when putting the wheel back on I can turn them up four turns to where I began. It helps sometimes.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I could see that helping yes

[@stevenwarner7348]

Yea. And so. My buyer did arrive this PM for my Bandit but it was raining and although I think he appreciated the bike, he was pressed with an 11hundred dollar dent on his cc for four new truck tires. Then showed me a sandwich bag with lots of cash. But when I explained the value of a notarized bill of sale etc. he hedged me with needing a local registration. So I'll be getting a registration and plate for the Bandit. That is getting kind of close to me maybe keeping it. 1998 Clean. So maybe I learn to ride this? Not sure. Just saying. Of course I'm listening. Noting every word and nuance. Gold for me BJ. Thank you so much. Your humble servant, Steve from New Hampshire.

[@katywalker8322]

Bandits are a pain for significantly tightening the chain when you tighten the rear wheel spindle. If the tension is right before tightening the spindle, it will be way too tight after tightening the spindle. As an aside, UK spec bikes do not use a split pin / castle nut on the rear wheel spindle. Rather a deformed thread type lock nut. Some people insist that chain tension should be set with the rider on the bike. However most manuals say not - I presume because when the rider is very light or very heavy, they will both deflect the swinging arm to the point the chain is at its tightest if they hit a big bump on the road. Hence on the side stand or the centre stand is a consistent point point for the chain slack the manual lists. Fork oil changes are messy. Even if everything is laid out perfectly, that probably just means kicking the drip pan full of used and very smell fork oil. But anything near the front sprocket is always going to be messy.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah the tension definitely changes for every scenario which is why I check it at every stage. Per the manual it seems the Bandit is a bit more specific on this front than most bikes ive done. Very interesting indeed. Fork seals are the worst. Nearly 100% guarantee to kick the pan lol

[@JDnBeastlet]

"Bandits are a pain for significantly tightening the chain when you tighten the rear wheel spindle. If the tension is right before tightening the spindle, it will be way too tight after tightening the spindle." - I agree. That is why my axle is reversed - when tightening the nut it pushes against the chain tensioner instead of pulling away from it.

[@AndyH-13]

Problem solved, so that’s a win. I would put my money on the chain causing the clicking, but would have replaced the bearings for peace of mind. I would love to attend your opening just a long way from 🇦🇺 Australia. I’ll be watching though.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That would be a huge trip! I'll make it to Australia someday!

[@donjordan8174]

New shop looks awesome.. I’d come to the party but it’s a long drive from Isaan Thailand

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah thats a bit of a drive!

[@pauloconnor7951]

Every bearing that I thought was good; I took to local SKF shop (German made). Or Japanese are great too. They would proceed to explain why said bearing/s were bad. I'd buy new and install them; and the difference was awesome !!!. No matter where they are; I replace with new. Always happy I did.

[@unclenos9254]

I've been following Jish since the early days, even watched him do his narrowboat lol Awesome videographer looking forward to seeing his spin on your turf

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah I have been long inspired by his videos! Super excited to see how he captures it all!

[@ludwigvonbuzzthoven]

Props for wearing Flying Tiger swag. Those guys are great: I actually have to call them to schedule some minor service soon.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Eric, Teresa, and the gang are great

[@pipersall6761]

I dont know that much about Suzukis but that seems like a really nice bike! Thanks for the beautiful ride. Good job on the bearing replacement!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Bandit 1200s are pretty sweet indeed

[@SaqibKhaliq]

Great video, the work looks spot on. Time to do the chain and sprockets next.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

The chain and sprockets have been replaced and are actually in great shape

[@jonbeargenx]

Reminds me of sprocket noise when the chain is binding, but given the video title I guess it's the wheel bearing ;) Love to see videos out of your new awesome shop!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah this one was a fight between my heart and brain. The chain never felt too loose or loose enough to cause that type of click so I assumed bearings

[@martyndunn1905]

Love these bandit videos, being a MK1 1200 owner myself. I also took your advice and sprayed my chrome side airbox covers black, looks so much better.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Nice!!

[@martyndunn1905]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Can I ask you a question, what sort of temperature does your engine run at ? I bought a infrared thermometer and mines getting to about 230/240. Is that too hot or is normal?

[@BSpenceTravels]

Honestly it sounded like a chain sound to me. It never hurts to change wheel bearings though. Great video.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

So come to find out whoever did the rear sprocket install it backwards making it offset to the inside. That caused chain misalignment. I had gone on a long ride after this and it wore the sprocket out

[@davidwagner-fq3qg]

I honestly believe after watching this content carefully that you in fact were in tune with the bike close enough to catch a bearing at its earliest point before failure. The chain could have been a small part also but at the mileage and age of the bike (1999) it’s a safety first kinda thing. Plus replacing bearings adds confidence while riding an almost 25 year old bike. I’m planning on replacing both ends on my 99 over the winter. Awesome video content. RIP spider

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya. My gut tells me it was the bearing but not finding solid evidence was a bit frustrating. Regardless it was a nice maintenance item to do for peace of mind. And yes the spider will be missed

[@michaelmathews295]

That's because he's a young rider and still has his hearing.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@michaelmathews295 🤣🤣

[@davidwagner-fq3qg]

@@michaelmathews295 lol you are probably correct lol

[@hstefan]

Loved this video, one quick trick tho, don't use grease in the cush drive assembly because in time will gather dust and chew up your rubber bushings, instead use silicone spray. It rejuvenates the rubber bushings and makes your cush drive assembly easier to put back in the rim. Hope it helps! 🤙

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Would silicone spray not gather dust as well though?

[@hstefan]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Not really as much as grease would because it dries rather quickly

[@oliveiraoliveira4096]

they sure are, you are very fortunate to have such fantastic countryside roads to ride. Congrats on the new shop, looking forward to your new builds.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Definitely lucky to have such awesome roads all around me. Thank ya!

[@4637bigred]

All the props in the World. I noticed nothing but hand tools for your baby. Good job on the repair and the love.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya

[@jameshisself9324]

The noise sounded like the chain riding up ever so slightly on the front sprocket before dropping into place under load. The tight spots in the chain all but confirm that for me. I would do chain and both sprockets. New wheel bearings are a great upgrade anyway. She's a fine steed.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It's hard to say. The chain and sprockets though have been replaced and are in great shape honestly. The chain could use a good cleaning im sure but it's good beyond that.

[@jameshisself9324]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I'm confident on the noise, but those tight spots are indicative of chain breakdown of some kind. Usually lube under the rings is dried out or even worse corrosion. I can't tell much from a video though. Adjusting the chain changed the dynamics there and got rid of the noise and it's all good in the neighborhood. If you say so I'm positive it's fine. It looks and sounds fantastic.

[@XJRabbits]

Good stuff. I had a moment when you were pounding the bearing back in and use the old bearing, thought to myself… uhh well good luck getting that out, BJ: “ yeah it’s the old bearing, but I turned it on the lathe, and it’s got a smaller diameter” Me: 🙄 ahhhh, the lathe, what a great idea, genius!! I don’t have a opinion either way, chain or bearing, but it seems to have sorted itself out after some TLC. Also I stopped by a buddies house for some stuff and he asked me if I had seen your new time lapse cx500 video, so sharing is caring. 👍.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hey I've used the ole' grinder to take down races every time until now lol.

[@jimclarke1108]

Good to see you got your bearings in order, found the problem and fixed it

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well, may have found it lol. May have simply been the chain but oh well, fixed regardless

[@karras6239]

Nice and smooth hell yea. I allways asociate that sound when you have loose ball bearings and one goes missing or out of track and the others hit each other harder making that very varticular noise.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thats what I expected to find but the cages were intact still so it threw me for a loop!

[@GearHeadGeeks]

I could have told you right at the beginning, that it was the chain. It needed to be cleaned and lubed within an inch of it's life. As links get tight and kink from dirt, they give you a false assessment of chain slack. Cleaning and adjusting would have stopped the clunking. But replacing the bearings and seals is always a good idea.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Comments still split on this actually. Everyone is positive it was something. At least it's good now but I do agree I need to clean the chain up some.

[@GearHeadGeeks]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Well, first of all my H2 does the exact same thing. So I clean and adjust the chain and all is good. Second having been a professional factory trained Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, BSA, etc. mechanic in my younger years, I have seen literally hundreds of bikes with similar symptoms.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

UK fan here. 😎👍 Nice clean shop u got there bud.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@alacumobra6573]

If that noise comes back it's time for a new chain,check the front sprocket also, every bike witch has a lot of torque is hard on chain, putting someone on the bike when you adjust the chain is also good idea you can easily see the tight spot 👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

After I put a few more hundred miles on it the noise came back. It turns out the rear sprocket was on backwards giving it an offset to the wheel and binding the chain. I somehow missed it this time. New chain and sprockets have been installed

[@Retirement_Life]

God I’d like to attend the opening of the new shop, but a little too far from the UK! Anyway, great riding roads over there…not a pothole in sight, darn it! You want to try the roads over here! 😢

[@mikerider58]

The roads in the UK are really bad, l blame our non elected woke government who seem to milk road users and put nothing back. Vote Reform UK 🇬🇧

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

We definitely have some bad roads but I choose the ones in better shape lol. Remember my Scotland video and the pothole that bent the rim on my rental!? Definitely aware of the road conditions lol

[@fredericktressler9289]

The same noise on my '07 Bandit 1250 drove me nuts diagnosing. It turned out to be the drive-side wheel bearing, which failed due to a spacer left out during a tire change. A similar noise on my '07 V-Strom 1000 was traced to the cush drive bearing. It failed due to drive train misalignment, common to 1st generation DLs. Fortunately, the aftermarket offers a solution in the form of a re-machined spacer and shim. Good video.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I had a DR650 in for service and found a mangled sprocket carrier bearing so I felt this may have been the case. It was just weird that upon inspection I was unable to find anything I would call "conclusive" as to being the cause. Oh well, fixed now lol

[@tonyfurneaux3399]

Brilliant, love your work.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@shawnthorsen4361]

I have found that my B12 and B1250 (I can’t decide which one to part with, so I’m gonna keep both 😂) both like their chains adjusted frequently. I do adjust them every thousand Kms (Canadian) as the service manual says and all is well. I replaced the bearings on both bikes, as a precaution and to have my own baseline for my maintenance records. Love the videos, especially the “testing rides” and the detail in them. Helps with my confidence to approach these tasks 😊

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Keeping both seems like the best answer 👌 For this bike I've only put just over 1000 miles on it since purchasing so I have yet to get a feel for how often it needs adjustment. Just felt like it was good so my heart said bearings

[@carlosegonzalez6989]

Congratulations

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

🤘🤘

[@Brian-wy7ts]

Thanks - you've given me the confidence to change the bearings on my bike. It has a strong vibration through the bars if I counter steer hard to stand it up out of a corner, and I'm thinking front wheel bearings. i'd like to see a video of you checking / setting steering head bearing preload on your bandit using the spring scale method in the service manual if you are of a mind to make one in the future. Your videos help me a lot to work on my bike, it's too expensive going to dealers

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad the video is helpful! You should definitely check out one of the latest "The Shop Manual" videos from Revzilla talking about wheel bearings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX7bl31ofr6IncU As far as a steering bearing video I doubt Ill do that as I simply go by feel.

[@richardhorton25]

since the noise was related to wheel rotation and not coincident with a particular position of the wheel I suspect a single seized link in the chain. At one point around 7mins in the video you can just perceive a kink in the chain

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

So it may not have been noticeable in the video but when I'd rotate the wheel back and forth it would give a noise in nearly any position. That and the couple times I felt a slight notch in the bearing still has me leaning that way. I know the chain could have some sticky links due to being dirty but it still moves well. At the point you saw the kink I also had minimal tension on it. Regardless it's fixed now. I will clean the chain soon though

[@andrewmundenandcadfellmast4624]

I had a very similar noise on my previous bike, a ZX12R. Was the chain. One dodgy link was not quite working properly. Only happened under load in the lower gears. Once chain replaced the noise went away.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thats all it takes sometimes!

[@mikerider58]

Great bike channel 👏

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@henryhawk978]

Nice job, bearings aren't that expensive. Better safe than sorry. Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Exactly, cheap peace of mind

[@banditnev]

I'll book my plane tickets now 😁

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

YUUUSS!!

[@michaelmathews295]

Greatest bearing/seal drivers known to man; a 3/4" drive socket set.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha 100%

[@shaunhardie6077]

Good idea to change the bearings but the noise is most definitely the chain, as it looks like a cheaper quality item.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

So far comments are split on the matter as well lol. Some positive its the chain. Some positive it's the bearings.

[@MotoMango]

Excellent work dude! Can't wait to see your videos when working in the new shop.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya! I'm excited to start filming in here!

[@kencreten7308]

I don't want to belabor this, but it's obvious you have a good... bearing one the solution for that problem.... I'm sorry. The bike sounds strong and smooth.

[@cuzybro5272]

I agree the Suzuki bottom end power is great, ive got a 96 rf900 suzuki 55000 miles on clock love it. Thats a old school kind of way to take out the bearings👍. I've never seen the freeze bearing n heat up the alloy before, just heard of it. Does it expand, ive only seen pressing in way,

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I keep seeing RF900s pop up for sale and have been tempted to grab one. Great looking bikes. Yes heating the aluminum expands it making bearing installation easier. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX7bl31ofr6IncU

[@redzed40]

id love to come, but it's a long old ride from the UK sadly mate

[@katywalker8322]

Same here!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I hear ya! At least we will have some great video of the event!

[@Bevoin1970]

Me too 🙂 UK

[@redzed40]

would need a snorkel@@BrickHouseBuilds

[@cainbeeping8480]

Nice

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

🤘

[@rafaellastracom6411]

I´m sure it was a bearing, remember that you testing it with your hands is really inconclusive as the bearing is under no load. BTW, for the Cush-Drive I use baby or talcum powder as a dry lubricant, graphite powder is also a good one. I´m not crazy about using a petroleum based product on rubber. Love these videos BTW.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Good call

[@paulwhite7475]

I loved my 1200 bandit . The only thing I didn't like was the tank size and with that massive fuel gauge and small tank you can watch the gauge move

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Haha on my ride home when I bought it I felt I could see it move. I feel ya

[@paulwhite7475]

@@BrickHouseBuilds i would have preferred a clock and a low fuel light

[@peteraitken6494]

Nice job bj always good to change parts if you are in doubt and for safety to yourself too ,yeah a bit frustrating but overall as long as you are happy that you’ve remedied the problem and it’s your bike you can do what you want with it peace of mind is a happy biker take care buddy wish I stayed near by I would defo visit your shop hope everything goes well as I’m sure it will have a great week awesome bike by the way 👍👌🔧🔧🔧❤️

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah peace of mind was worth the cost of some bearings for sure. If you can make it to the event I'd love to have ya!

[@peteraitken6494]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I stay in Scotland bj if I was near to you I would defo be there for sure ah I guess we can’t always get what we want lol thank you for the offer though and I’ll defo be watching that’s for sure 👍👌

[@BanditK]

Just did that same job, on my 05 B12. Upgraded to ceramic by boca bearings. What a difference in the "glide feeling" area, if u know what I mean. Anyway keep up the good work

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

🤘🤘

[@gustavomiller6645]

Is that the original chain? I think I noticed when the chain was loose some kinks on some links, indicating that it is not moving free as it should in some areas. Maybe a good thing to do is to replace the chain as well. Great video, i love your new shop, looks an amazing place to work.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I do not think the chain is original as the sprockets have been changed and are in very good shape. A few links are maybe a bit sticky but nothing is binding and side-to-side feels ok. It could probably use a good cleaning which im terrible at lol

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

You’d Be as well cutting off 12” of that hammer shaft if you’re going to hold it so close to the head, I was always told the shaft was that length for a reason, use it all.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I prefer a bit of dexterity. I don't need it to come out violently in one hulk smash lol

[@grahamwild4375]

Great vid as usual… wondering if you ever pick out the seal on the sealed bearings and add more grease to them ?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I have seen people do that but I have not been inclined to do so

[@tonysargent1699]

Anorak-naphobia: A fear of train spotters!

[@harleypub]

Sounded like what I hear when the chain is loose and is skipping once in a while. But not sure seeing and hearing your assessment.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I hear ya. Like I said my brain and heart were telling me different things. The chain definitely wasnt lose enough to skip but it may have been making some of what I heard.

[@S2NAZ]

I knew it was A bearing immediately because I recognize that sound. It’s a weird sound for a bearing to make unless you’re familiar with it. Couple things I’m wondering though. Do you not have a slide hammer to pull those out and those bearings should be pressed in not hammered in. Do you have a press? Looking forward to the grand opening live! 👍🏻 the throttle roll on on those is si fun! 😂😂😂

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I do not have a bearing removal tool or a press

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

They can be hammered just fine. People have been doing it since the first vehicles were made. You just need to use caution and drive straight

[@ppatrao]

Sweet ride at the end Lovely road! Are those revit mosca gloves you're wearing?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya and yes they are! I recently bought them (beginning of the season) and absolutely love them. So comfy and stylish.

[@clivewalker5465]

Thats a shame , I will be leaving Illinois on the 28 September to return Home to the UK ,

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Darn! That's cutting it close

[@clivewalker5465]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Indeed , it would have been a blast to rock up .

[@mmotorcycles9497]

Acecafebikes sent me. New sub

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well thank ya! I saw the video of you and him chatting it up which was cool! Very cool background

[@mmotorcycles9497]

@@BrickHouseBuilds thank you. You know it’s kind of weird I subscribe to your channel way back when Mike went and hung out with you. And never unsubscribed but for some reason I wasn’t subscribed anymore anyway, here for good now.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@mmotorcycles9497 I don't know what the reason is for that happening but it really does do that for some reason

[@kweenie2086]

That bandit looks sick! Have you ever considered the suzuki gsx1400 tho? Mo powah mo torque but mo weight aswel.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you! We sadly never got the 1400 over here. When I was in Scotland we saw a few and I was jealous

[@kweenie2086]

@@BrickHouseBuilds wow thats such a dick move from suzuki, you could always import one but i can imagine how expensive that would be.

[@MrNiklas1967]

Hi buddy

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

👋

[@jakeluchini5995]

Can you dyno the bike? Curious on the power and afr for a garage build

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I'm planning to at some point. There was a dyno day locally I wasn't able to make it to but I will definitely get it on there. I'm very curious

[@steveneastland4128]

That chain is absolutely due replacement🥴 But as for greasing the cush I’ve always done that with a bit of red rubber and always got funny remarks for it, go figure

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I dont know the exact age but the chain is not original. Sprockets are in good shape too

[@N269]

​@@BrickHouseBuildsreplace chain.... Replace sprockets.... Rule #1

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@N269 the chain and sprockets have been replaced and are in good shape

[@N269]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Excellent. Yeah, my rule, when changing any of the chain/f-sprocket/r-sprocket they all get changed. Nice new digs, BTW..... Question: as you righty diagnosed the sprocket carrier bearing, why not change the other 2 bearings also? Just curious. Best regards from Isle of Man

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@N269 I did change all three. I showed that in the video. It was sped up with music but yes all were changed

[@careyallen8225]

Maybe a stupid question but, those new bearing look to be sealed bearings, so why the grease behind the seals?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Not silly at all. The grease can help suspend any dirt that gets in there so I use it as an extra barrier for the bearings. You do of course need a bit for seal-to-spacer friction.

[@a-aronmoore8052]

Haha got the same tires and same replacement bearings.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

So your making comments on zacks channel over at Daily Rider 😉

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I know 😎 I just ask good questions

[@Uriel-Septim.]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Yeah and getting a littel publicity 😁 Btw I had a loose/stretch chain on my 650 bandit making "clicking" noices hitting the rear fork, but it was not a constant noise.

[@danielbengtsson8122]

Rear axelbolt seemed very loose

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It wasnt

[@pauloconnor7951]

Mind. Meat don't think.

[@JordanPhillips9119]

Always been gas for me. Some how anytime I need to detach a gas tank or a gas line I end up spilling fuel and having to huff fumes for an hour. Never fun.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I feel this lol

[@drinn3158]

Hi!part number to all balls plz🙏

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

The link to all balls is in the description. Then you just look it up by bike

[@1234567marks]

Worse part of this job for me is lining up the rear wheel to slide the axle in, yours went OK but it can be a PIA on some bikes, what I have started doing is placing a couple of thin (say 12mm) wooden planks one on top of the other under the tyre, lengthways in line with the bike, then sliding a third thicker plank between them from one end, the further you slide the plank in the higher it raises the rear wheel til the axle holes are lined up and the axle then slides in easily, even better is don’t do it single handed , but in my case my wife seems to dislike getting black swarf and grease on her hands, strange creatures women 🤔😁.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha yeah they aren't fans of said things normally

[@OldGlaseye-gf7si]

Might get a brass rod to pound the bearings out. Less chance to scratch the hub...

[@Slobberdog66]

One question , where are all the pot holes? Are all your roads that smooth?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

We definitely have pot holes but I choose to ride roads where they are minimal