wheel bearings shot?

Zaddict
Topic Author
Offline
User
Enjoying my Zaddiction!
Posts: 332
Thanks: 58

wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 10:31

Not sure what the service limit is but this feels like way too much play -

1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

DoctoRot
Offline
Sustaining Member
Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
Posts: 2552
Thanks: 688

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 11:31

#818419

Those are completely shot.

'78 1000 Long Term Project
'80 750G
750 Twin Big Bore Track Bike

The following user(s) said Thank You: Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Zaddict
Topic Author
Offline
User
Enjoying my Zaddiction!
Posts: 332
Thanks: 58

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 11:55

#818420

bueno, thank you. I guess the good news is a new All Balls bearing kit is all of $18.

1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Rick H.
Offline
User
Posts: 840
Thanks: 241

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 14:39

#818431

Yep I would say those bearings are kaput. May be a real good idea to check your axle for any issues when you get it apart. I don't think I have ever seen bearings with that much play in them. Kinda scary. Did you find that the bearings were bad by chance Zaddict or did you notice the issue while riding?
Rick H.

Rick H.

1977 Kawasaki KZ-1000A1

The following user(s) said Thank You: Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

650ed
Offline
User
Posts: 15343
Thanks: 2829

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 16:07

#818438

That's not way too much play. That;s WAY WAY WAY WAY too much play!

Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

The following user(s) said Thank You: Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Zaddict
Topic Author
Offline
User
Enjoying my Zaddiction!
Posts: 332
Thanks: 58

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 17:11

#818443

Rick H. wrote: Did you find that the bearings were bad by chance Zaddict or did you notice the issue while riding?
Rick H.

I noticed the steering suddenly get squirrely, then some rotating clunking noises and an occasional squeak. It was clear something was wrong. I'm assuming this is related to an accident I had a few months ago (only now getting back on the bike).

1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Zaddict
Topic Author
Offline
User
Enjoying my Zaddiction!
Posts: 332
Thanks: 58

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 17:41

#818447

Rick H. wrote: May be a real good idea to check your axle for any issues when you get it apart.
Rick H.

hmmm, yeah. Good point. I wonder if I should just order an axle so I have a spare ready next weekend when I'll have time to dig in further. I see used ones for like $2 on ebay.

1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

SWest
Offline
Sustaining Member
10 22 2014
Posts: 23204
Thanks: 2817

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 18:09

#818448

Just don't tighten it too much.
Steve

Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

hardrockminer
Offline
Sustaining Member
Posts: 2991
Thanks: 1090

Re: wheel bearings shot?

02 Feb 2020 18:27

#818450

If the bearings aren't making any noise they should be OK.

You say you had an accident. Was the front wheel removed? There is an internal collar to stabilize the axle. If it's not in place you will have play in the wheel.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

loudhvx
Offline
KZr Legend
Posts: 10864
Thanks: 1615

Re: wheel bearings shot?

03 Feb 2020 08:29 - 03 Feb 2020 08:32

#818473

I also would expect there is something going on more than just worn bearings. I've replaced many bearings and most of them are hard to distinguish from brand new ones other than damage from removal. I've never seen any have any play at all like on the video.

In addition to the other things mentioned, I would check for axle straightness if the accident involved a front end collision.

1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

Last edit: 03 Feb 2020 08:32 by loudhvx.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Rick H.
Offline
User
Posts: 840
Thanks: 241

Re: wheel bearings shot?

03 Feb 2020 08:36 - 03 Feb 2020 08:38

#818475

Hey Zaddict, if you don't mind, please let us know what you find out after you take it apart. I am sure many of us would like to know what you discover is wrong with your front wheel. Watch when you take the axle out how any spacers or washers are positioned especially if it has been apart after your mishap.
Rick H.

Rick H.

1977 Kawasaki KZ-1000A1

Last edit: 03 Feb 2020 08:38 by Rick H..

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

martin_csr
Offline
User
Posts: 8019
Thanks: 1645

Re: wheel bearings shot?

03 Feb 2020 10:59 - 03 Feb 2020 10:59

#818487

In case it needs to be said, the wheel should be rock solid. No movement at all.
And be sure to check the swing arm for movement as well >> those bearings can fail.

1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

Last edit: 03 Feb 2020 10:59 by martin_csr.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.