How To Check And Replace Your Motorcycle Wheel Bearings | The Shop Manual

Get 20% off a new pocketknife at kershaw.kaiusa.com/ with code 23TSM20. Valid through 9/1/23.
If you like rolling down the road on your motorcycle, you have the bearings in your hubs to thank. Wheel bearings are simple and durable parts, but they do wear out over time. In this episode of The Shop Manual, we’ll walk you through inspecting and replacing your motorcycle’s wheel bearings.
Get your new wheel bearings here: rvz.la/3N197Oj
Motion Pro bearing remover set: rvz.la/43SGdqO
Motion Pro wheel bearing driver kit: rvz.la/3NkPYZ5

[@RevZilla]

Keep your bike rolling smoothly with new wheel bearings. RevZilla has you covered: rvz.la/3P4OIuK

[@Subboxstoker]

Ari has figured out how to get paid to work on his bike. Excellent

[@vintagealchemist4328]

He's been doing since MC Garage Days. Mad Lad

[@AriH211]

Gotta embrace episode topics wherever I can find them!

[@mykheaton]

And rightly so :)

[@xb5883]

Yep, and Zach taking the long way to work

[@roscocsa]

I can send him my 80’s goldwing if he needs a project…

[@johnhoaglun1]

Simple and straightforward. Thanks to Revzilla for making the content from Ari, Zack, and Spenser available to us.

[@GaLaKtIkclan]

Another thing to mention here, is you'll notice the bearings are NTN bearings or will most likely be some other common bearing brand which you can buy yourself from a bearing supplier for usually much less than the motorcycle specific kits you'll find online that are OEM or aftermarket (All balls/pivotworks etc...). As for the seals, these can also be purchased from a bearing supplier, you'll just have the measure them with some calipers. Take a picture of the markings on the rubber sealing rings on the bearings and that will usually have the bearing partnumber and enquire at a local bearing shop or online. If you're unsure, be bet is just to take the seals and bearings out and get the guys at the bearing shop to measure them out for you and they should be able to supply you with identical ones even if they're not the same brand. This also works for other bearings and seals on your bike, especially internal engine bearings. OEM and Motorcycle aftermarket kits are usually a bit on the priceier side, so this can save you quite a bit of money at times, this especially saved me a lot when I had to get engine bearings for my WR450f

[@tolga1cool]

Definitely do this! It saves a ton of money. OEM markup on bearings is sometimes 5-10x. BUT!! Make sure that the bearings are the exact same spec as the old ones. Ive had it before that a bike specified some non standard bearing clearance spec

[@gregorytubbs3444]

​@@tolga1cool Good point. This reminds me of an air compressor bearing that was sold only by the manufacturer. You couldn't get away with buying a common name brand replacement.

[@joepi5]

​@@tolga1cool this is almost always the case at the rear axle because there are 3 bearings. All motorcycles I replaced the wheel bearings in had a C3 clearance bearing in the "middle" bearing, so in the wheel hub on the side of the chain.

[@rhemyis]

@H Sqrd oem bearings are more expensive not only because of the price policy but because of the high quality they offer, a quality bearing means more than just two rollers with some steel balls between them, the market is full of counterfeit products and those NTN bearings that you mentioned are highly targeted by Chinese being a reputable company. So, buying a big brand for a cheap price might be a good deal for your pocket but no so reliable for your motorcycle. If prefer buying oem for jobs where I must be sure I got a high quality part and wheel bearings are included in this category.

[@GaLaKtIkclan]

@@rhemyis you're not wrong. But if you're buying bearings from a reputable bearing supplier, there is a very small chance that you'll be getting counterfeit bearings

[@rayhan4502]

People may think this video is useless because it's a basic knowledge, but for me it really help cause no one around me know anything about bike

[@JDnBeastlet]

Everything you need to know and nothing you don't, presented with excellent narration, editing and production - just what I've come to expect from The Shop Manual. Ari and team - thanks and please keep 'em coming!

[@neil1266]

It's very hard to simplify a process that you know off by heart and make it easily understandable by anybody,Ari has this understanding and ability and it's plain to see. I cannot stress enough how important being able to do this is,well done Ari a fantastic explanation as always.

[@ReQuiem_2099]

I don't know how well these videos do on the KZbins, but know that they are incredibly valuable and appreciated by those of us that watch! Keep up the awesome work at Revzilla, Common Tread, HSLS, and can't wait for the next big adventure!

[@todayletsbuild2153]

Great video. The extra time taken to preserve the bore in the wheel is great. It is amazing how some good maintenance when not thought out can cause future issues. Great work Ari..

[@GuillermoChancey2]

Thanx Ari! I love when Ari uses his Versys for these videos. I have one just like it and it's very fortunate for me.

[@justmyself1000]

Thank you again Mister Ari! I already know how to do most of these things but I love watching your videos just to double-check. And even learn possibly a different way of doing things.

[@SoybeanAK]

Literally perfect timing! Just got a new bike with a squeaky front end, was about to call the shop! Thanks a ton Ari!

[@John-mb7yl]

My favorite motorcycle mechanic Ari ❤❤❤ who explains so well n makes it look effortless 😊

[@mackan98502]

my favorite series on youtube. cant get enought of Ari.

[@milaventurasprod]

I have an old bike that needs to do that, this will come in handy. Thanks Ari for the clear explanation, learned some handy tricks

[@Firestorm637]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Your review/installs are the best. Straightforward and very informative. Thank you

[@steveh100]

Thanks Ari, learnt loads, this is definately something I'm going to do consider everytime I change tyres now.

[@Quatra05]

The SM vids are some of my favorite! The knowledge conveyed, paired with videography excellence makes for a video that is not only captivating, but also incredibly informative. Thank you for always going the extra mile to provide excellent content 👍

[@bluessrv1]

Great video! Love the Motion Pro line of tools. They've got some really neat stuff that, although a little pricey, can save your blood pressure from going through the roof!

[@durtkillon]

I used this video to change out the bearings on my 650. Thank you!

[@KRColson]

This is a fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Cheers!

[@motomuso]

Another solid vid. Kershaw knives indeed! Believe it. I sent in my Ken Onion Leek Serrated for a lost safety slide. In addition, the point had been slightly bent. They sent back what was basically a brand new, razor-sharp knife at no charge.

[@jamesberry276]

Great video! Every detail covered and shown well. I watched for yet another answer to what is the best bearing grease and came away with alot more knowledge on Every aspect of bearing check/change. I thank You very much! 👍

[@addvali]

Absolutely perfect how-to. Just did the wheel bearings on my Versys (the only difference is that the sprocket hub also has a bearing in it) using this as my guide and it came out perfectly! Thanks Ari!

[@1986XRV8]

Great information, Ari!

[@fabriziobianchi3126]

Grazie...veramente grazie per questa intervista!!!...immenso Luciano!!!

[@KensGarage1]

As usual excellent content and instruction on a very important maintenance item. Thanks.

[@sanjaywright681]

This is so awesome.. man I needed this

[@_sam317]

I just replaced mine few hours ago. Definitely will try that freezer trick on my other bike. Thanks Ari

[@hugoharmstorf6234]

Always a great day when a Shop Manual video drops.

[@martinl6205]

Very informative with very sound advice as always thanks!

[@jiikooo]

I know how to change bearings maybe even my eyes closed but ari's how to videos are so well explained and entertaining that if he made a video how to but the key in to the ignition, i would watch it 😁

[@seth_iwant_toride]

Excellent Ari! I really enjoy these👊

[@TheCornflake76]

Old bearings come in handy for driving the new bearings in when you don't have the right socket or specialty tool.

[@CIarkNova]

Same with old fork seals, double stacked when installing new ones!

[@JA-jg5le]

Nailed it - superb walk through 👍

[@skandix]

Perfectly explained!

[@Marcel_DL650]

Good timing. I just wanted to give it a go. Thanks, this is a very helpful guide a usually. I really appreciate your help and guidance. Your such a treasure for the motorcycle community. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@blipco5]

See my comment above.

[@diyeveryday67]

Thank You Ari!!

[@davidalder6558]

Thank you Ari. Informative and well presented. I always enjoy your channel. Dave from Nova Scotia Canada

[@fattymcgee123]

Perfect timing. Wheel bearings and seals arrived today, but from FortNine as I'm a canuck.

[@sergiosuarez9126]

Super helpful video as always. Thanks man!

[@chrisb792]

Thanks, really helpful and i feel i could now give this a go

[@SsgtHolland]

Great video, thanks!

[@braticuss]

Exactly what I need, right when I needed it!

[@CaptLawrence]

Are you following me around because I swear this is the third time I've struggled through a job and then you post a handy guide when I'm done lol. Now I know what all I did wrong!

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

5:35 That bearing removal tool is awesome, makes the job so much easier.

[@roykessels]

Solid video! I'd like to add grease to the inside of the new seal, to make it last longer and give the bearing another layer of protection.

[@Johnnyhandgernade]

Another great video!

[@Syedsai]

Miss you so much back then on mc garage. Sorry didn't get back to this new channel earlier. Glad to see you back! And you have recovered fully from your facial injury during ur mc days.

[@pmdinaz]

Good stuff, as always

[@wilharnecker2575]

Thanks Ari! Nobody does these vids better than you!

[@ezequielcosta954]

Very Good video!!Keep it up👌

[@NavigatEric]

this is really really good.

[@jetstarsuk2364]

Great video. Thanks.

[@happyshoe1]

This is a great video, thanks! It’s very much appreciated.

[@avrc9285]

would like to see more of these how-to videos - great job as always sir, thank you !

[@sawyer4981]

This video saved my bacon. Was replacing my tire and never thought to inspect the bearings. Sure enough, one of them had a rough spot it was hanging up on. Was on the verge of going. Got em all replaced and am worry free for the foreseeable future!

[@acehandler1530]

Excellent, thank you 🙂

[@bonerfi9254]

Awesome timing if this vid. Cheers, guys 🍻 🍻

[@gthaley_81]

I'll be honest, I never even considered the wheel bearings and I'm now very curious to inspect them on the bikes as I'm an experienced auto mechanic and I'm trying to transition from entrusting my bikes to the shop to handling most of their care myself (it's not as straight forward a transition as most people assume, I'm learning). Curious as I watched this video, I pulled out the TSM on my new SCL500 and noted that it also has a bearing in the driven flange (the wheel sprocket assembly), so there's 3 in the rear wheel assembly. I enjoy learning, and I plan to have my dad watch your video on fitting your bike to you as I think he can make use of some of the pointers. Keep up the good work, guys.

[@waynemetzger6251]

Great vidio !!

[@ravinchem3035]

Excellente tutorial. helps me a lot 👍🏻

[@pnwgreg300]

Excellent vid as always

[@andyjdaviestjk]

Love your videos and always give good info 👍

[@STho205]

Very well presented and realistically done for the avg shadetree with a bike. I do the tactile inspection every tire change, but since I carry the wheels to a shop that mounts and balances for $15 if I bring them in (only $30 if they have to remove wheels)...I think at this point in age I'd just let them replace the bearings since they have a shop press.

[@Quadrenaro]

I went over the bars yesterday on a track, and I'm feeling it today! Luckily the only thing broken was a light.

[@chriscook7004]

Great Video

[@dare92]

I replaced my bearings 4000km ago (last year). They are already shot because I hammered the second bearing too tight against the center spacer, causing it to side load. I ordered new parts and I will try this again, this time making sure the second bearing is only snug against the center spacer and not fully seated. This is also documented in the wheel bearing installation instructions by All Balls. For people reading this: do not hammer your second bearing too tight against the center spacer.

[@DmitriyAdv]

Good tip on cleaning/greasing the collars and seals every time the wheels are off. I don’t know why so few people do this. It makes the bearings last so much longer and your wheels roll smoother. I also always check the OEM catalog for bearings and seals. They are often cheaper than aftermarket kits like “all balls” and higher quality.

[@JA-jg5le]

Agreed. Too many amateurs on social media questioning good practice

[@ottomondo1368]

Great stuff. Keep it up!

[@dennisherreid5393]

Really Good!

[@wfodavid]

Simple stuff that can keep you from sitting on the side of the road or ruining your or race day. Solid vid!

[@ZinoAmare]

yaay new Shop manual :D

[@michaeldobson8859]

Nice job. Very effective to demonstrate multiple methods. Not everyone has shop tools. Maybe you could have mentioned to do an inspection if the wheel continues to vibrate in use after balancing. Vibration is a sign of failed bearings if the tire / wheel is properly balanced.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Very well Presented showing three different Methods.. I never used heat, but do always put my bearings in the Freezer. I will try using a heat gun. I don't like to use a torch one something painted very much .

[@tudajfor]

You sir are just the best!

[@tolga1cool]

I would have liked a bit more focus on the rear wheel also, since oftentimes the sprocket carrier has its own bearing which can be much much more of a pita to replace then the wheel itself

[@hunterman600cc]

There's just something about watching him do it that instills confidence.

[@kenmcelroy7250]

Thanks for the video.

[@wouterpetersen4715]

Good tips!!!!

[@billiondollardan]

Dude I feel like I haven't seen Ari in years. Idk if I'm just not getting notifications and stuff but it's cool to watch the video

[@niconine268]

Nice one bro. No hype no heavy

[@EBthere]

Thanks Ari and RevZilla!

[@bobberbear4622]

great video

[@edmongeyt]

That was neat!

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

I had to do this to my Grom recently. I also used AllBalls.

[@ronnelsolis]

Thank you!

[@CubanRider]

Lots of great info Ari. I've also heard landing those wheelies under power is key to preserving the bearings. 😉

[@DearMajesty]

More applicable to the steering bearings, but I suppose it can apply for wheel bearings too

[@solosportbikerider5734]

Very good 👍

[@ezequielcosta954]

My bearing was too tight and in spite of these doings it didn't come off,there was very little room for slamming because off the central spacer. What I did:got the dremel and opened a door on the bearing for one of the spheres come off,then it disassembled...after that I was able to remove the central spacer and slam the other one off easy! But...I still had the outer ring of the one I dissembled in place so I put all the spheres one by one again and mounted it..then just slammed it out easy from the other side👌 Hope it helps someone! Cheers from Portugal!

[@louislopez55]

Hey Ari, can you tell us about your forearm workout?😮

[@vijayam1]

Lovely one at that!

[@CptSlow89]

Bought 1996. Kawasaki EX500 in 2008. Had it for 14 years and never replaced any bearing. No problems only put some grease in the front one.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Thanks for this Ari. You taught me how to change my bearings years ago in your old video and I’ve done it 4 times since - so simple! One lesson learned - do not as some people say use the axel to tap out the bearing. It fucks uo the thread lol.

[@derrickmosley80]

This was a great and thorough video. I believe I need to change my bearings because I hear a howling noise, and will be ordering my parts from revzilla.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I know how but I probably won't, still thanks Ari at least now I know what's involved.

[@neato24]

Thanks Ari!

[@grimey5.565]

I love RevZilla. I buy all my gear from them. Their content is also fire. Very informative videos.

[@unemployedducatista9997]

Excellent video Ari! Would be great to have one for inspecting/greasing/replacing rear wheel bearings on Ducati with Single Side Swingarm

[@TrippinBusa]

This was a good watch on vacation.