How to Clean Motorcycle Wheel Bearings

This is a basic video on how to clean and lube a motorcycle hub and wheel bearings. I am not a trained mechanic, but this method has worked for me for years. This is intended to make life easier for someone who is preparing to service wheel bearings for the first time. MAKE SURE THE SOLVENT YOU USE IS COMPATIBLE WITH RUBBER. This may buy you some time on your current bearings. However, be prepared to replace your bearings as this will not save a worn or damaged set of bearings.

[@brantleyanderson6807]

This video may be 10 years old but it’s the best start to finish one I can find on KZbin. Thanks!

[@barryweaver8833]

I really like how you mentioned not over-packing the bearing between the cage and seal. Heated grease has to have a place to sling too and pick it back up as needed. However it looks like you still ended up packing a little too much lol. Some videos shows guys just packing as much as they can but this is a mistake as it will churn the grease and create friction and resistance. Kind of the opposite of why we were lubing the bearings in the first place.

[@MrrNiico]

Surprisingly professional tutorial. Kudos to you!

[@4Him4u2]

Carb cleaner might work better than Brake cleaner. The most important thing to note is if the cleaner is safe for rubber. Because, some solvents will attack and degrade the rubber seals. Read the label carefully for material compatibility before using any product on your bearings and seals.

[@jizpillow]

thanks man im going to try this before i replace the bearings

[@pasta114]

awesome video thanks a ton!

[@menormeh]

Lincoln Lubricant Dispensers sells a small needle that goes on the end of a grease gun which will get down into tight areas like between the balls and races. You just place the needle where you want the grease to go and pump the grease gun handle.

[@gorgon9786]

use also a chainsaw's sword tip greaser, cheap to have one extra lying around..

[@justmyself1000]

One can buy a grease injector needle cheap at just about any auto parts store or Amazon.

[@rlbrett]

Thank you!

[@andthesunsets]

Thanks for the video!

[@4Him4u2]

Soak the bearing/hub over night in solvent. Lightly tap hub/bearing with metal tool handle for solvent penetration. Wipe off the excess solvent. Place hub in your freezer overnight. Take the hub out and carefully use a torch (fueled flame) and evenly heat the hub around the bearing - not too much. Using a dull Flat-Blade Screwdriver, and a Sledge-Hammer, hammer the bearing out from the opposite side, evenly, being careful not to scratch the hub surface. Also, search Park Tool bearing romoval.

[@justmyself1000]

If I'm taking out the bearing....I might as well just replace it. I think this video is meant more for just maintenance without punching the bearing out, then back in.

[@rothman24]

Good Video Thanks!

[@atsstockburn]

Wow. That hurts. Amazing what they can get for bearings overseas. Bummer, least you are in good shape now.

[@auomauom]

thanks! for this!!

[@GMXR7]

Thanks i ordered a bearing kit but its gonna take like 2 weeks to come and i wanna ride so imma try this for now

[@4Him4u2]

Sometimes this works. But, I had to replace these also.

[@GMXR7]

@@4Him4u2 yeah i still gotta replace em hope they come soon

[@Mr-TheSaint]

What about the inside of the bearing? I am sure that still have the ruber seal that you took off on the outside. Having said that i suppose here will be brake cleaner left inside the bearing you cleaned since the other side of the bearing is sealed with the rubber ring.... Just something to think about...

[@chriscs9080]

Have you ever used a brake cleaner ? It evaporates very fast so nothing is left behind 😜

[@samueljeppsen9785]

:-) You didn't replace the bearings instead because of why??

[@4Him4u2]

This wheel is from an '07 Scorpa SY250 which is a French made, Yamaha powered, trials bike. I also own an '05 YZ250 and an '06 WR250F. As you can see I bleed blue.

[@ProxyUnknown803]

is there a way to do this on a bearing that does not have the rubber seal?

[@addisongeiger9772]

Do you know a good way of removing rusted out bearings from a hub? Just bought a bike and the bearings are all rusted into the hub itself

[@bradriverside]

Thx dude!

[@d0s3r1]

nice video bud!

[@carnbroeskaters]

Can u do more videos on the best way to wash u engine i.e take it out by parts n wash or leave it in x

[@rspy24]

Does a motul motorcycle chain cleaner work? The one compatible with o-rings 🤔 Great video BTW!

[@4Him4u2]

Yes, that should be good.😃👍

[@4Him4u2]

I had to replace these bearings after all. I think they were $120 through an industrial supplier - French made motorcycle.

[@thcrivellari]

one more tip. your brake disc is extremely sensitive for grease and once contaminated it is very dificult to be clean again.

[@SnoopyDoofy]

+thcrivellari Who told you that? It's a steel / iron disc. Wipe off grease and degrease with brake cleaner / acetone before use. No need to worry about it. Brake pads on the other hand can soak up grease and oils, definitely keep those protected.

[@UncleSarkis]

Does carb cleaner work instead of break cleaner?

[@justmyself1000]

Yes

[@popitn2nd]

What bearing grease do you use?

[@4Him4u2]

I think the grease is Maxima.

[@MrJAVONI]

Wat other bikes do u have

[@jimmypham2487]

What that’s the right way to spell it not wat 🤦🏻‍♂️