Wheel Bearing Replacement

[mtrevelino]

I am about ready to change my tires on my LT. It is a 2000 with 72,000 miles on it. My question is, do you need to change the wheel bearings? If so, at what time/mileage? Also, how difficult is it to change the bearings? Do they just pop out once you remove the seals?
Thanks in advance!

[bigbear]

I am about ready to change my tires on my LT. It is a 2000 with 72,000 miles on it. My question is, do you need to change the wheel bearings? If so, at what time/mileage? Also, how difficult is it to change the bearings? Do they just pop out once you remove the seals?
Thanks in advance!

with the wheel off of the bike check to see if the bearings turn smoothly, no roughness or grinding to them. I would expect at 72K they may be getting to the point where the grease has dried out.

Removing the bearings:
I am not sure about this on an LT. On my 85K you are required to have a special ID puller and MUST heat the wheel hub to get the bearing to release from the hub.

Installation of the bearings:
put the bearings in a freezer for a hour or two. Heat the wheel hub uniformly so it is hot to the touch (don't remember exact heat specified). Drop fozen bearings in place. They should slide in with little or no resistance. Let cool for a few minutes until bearing is set in place. Turn wheel over and repeat for other bearing.

Roy

[BecketMa]

You ever measure the inner diameter before and after heating the bearing socket?

Same for the bearing diameters, before and after freezing?

Just wondering? especially about heating (expanding the metal) the bearing socket.

Bob

[niel_petersen]

Go figure - The differential expansion between aluminum (.000012/degF) and steel (.000006/degF) is .001 inch per inch for 160 degF mutual temperature rise.

Those using liquid nitrogen can get a lot more shrinkage for reassembly if necessary, but don't allow anything to get cocked!

BTDT

BTW - I wouldn't replace a wheel bearing unless it was rough.

[mtrevelino]

Thanks for the replies. When I have the tire off I will check to see if the bearings turn freely. I thought that there was some kind of mileage/timeline to replace the bearings.

[HarvRead]

Thanks for the replies. When I have the tire off I will check to see if the bearings turn freely. I thought that there was some kind of mileage/timeline to replace the bearings.
I ran my '99 until one failed. That was at 180k. Based on that much-too-limited data, I would replace them at 100k, and will next time. You can drive out the old bearings if you don't have a proper puller. Follow the instructions given by others about heating the hub/cooling the new bearings.

[grifscoots]

I waited till 100 thou to change mine.

[TimVipond]

Never changed mine at 138,000 miles.