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BIKELAND > FORUMS > ZX-14.com > Thread: Best front/rear wheel bearings besides the costly ceramics NEW TOPIC NEW POLL POST REPLY
Superman T


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posted July 26, 2010 06:56 AM        
Best front/rear wheel bearings besides the costly ceramics

OK so I finally found a powder coater here in Orlando and I'm going to be taking the wheels off today/tomorrow and removing all of the parts off for the powder coating process. I know that I need to remove the current wheel bearings and need to replace with new ones. I wanted to get some new ones but I can't swing those ceramics right now, whats the best choice as an alternative? I want to put in great quality(outside of Brocks ceramics). Where can I get them from?

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Hellmutt


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posted July 26, 2010 09:53 AM        
Timken, NKN, and I think SKF all make the majority of factory bearings for most motorcycle companies........I'd go with OEM, decent quality and fairly cheap considering you're going to replace them with ceramics sometime in the near future anyway.
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oldkawboy


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posted July 26, 2010 09:55 AM        
I'm doing a 10 wheel set conversion on my 14 and went with some good quality Japanese bearings made by NSK. I also installed them in my 12 wheels a while back and am really pleased.
I got them from Bearing Works, a mail order place with great service. Just Google them for their phone number and give the sales rep a call with what your application is. Mine have a non-contact seal with a special grease for high speed.
They're like $17 bucks each.
Dan

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Hellmutt


Needs a job
Posts: 2013
posted July 26, 2010 09:56 AM        
quote:
I'm doing a 10 wheel set conversion on my 14 and went with some good quality Japanese bearings made by NSK. I also installed them in my 12 wheels a while back and am really pleased.
I got them from Bearing Works, a mail order place with great service. Just Google them for their phone number and give the sales rep a call with what your application is. Mine have a non-contact seal with a special grease for high speed.
They're like $17 bucks each.
Dan


That's not too bad really, about 1/10th of ceramic brgs. cost
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Quarter Pounder


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posted July 26, 2010 11:24 AM        
Go with a single seal type vs the double seal OEM type. Seal and lubricant dictate your rolling resistance and a single seal will reduce that by quite a bit.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
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5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'

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SteddyTeddy


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posted July 26, 2010 11:34 AM        
The single sided seal will most likely go bad first though. Once they are in there, no way to add more grease.
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Superman T


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posted July 26, 2010 01:02 PM        
Thanks fellas
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Quarter Pounder


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posted July 26, 2010 02:33 PM        
I put almost 40k on a set of single seal bearings....zero issues, those bearings are STILL on the road today...not sure how many more miles are on them with the new owner.

You can add grease if you know how to remove the seal...just got to have the right tools.

Just don't be a dork and put a pressure washer to your bike.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'

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Quarter Pounder


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posted July 26, 2010 02:34 PM        
BTW...bearing you are looking for is same part # but will have LL after it.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'

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Compton


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posted July 26, 2010 04:32 PM        
I have a set of WWB bearings that schnitz sells brand new for 45 shipped.
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b.w.
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08 Busa, just a little longer and louder and lower than the 14

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zxbob


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posted July 26, 2010 04:41 PM        
Im currently rebuilding my CBX . . . .

I went with "All-Balls" for my bearings. (wheels / steering head)

Bob
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Superman T


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posted July 26, 2010 06:15 PM        
Compton, the WWB bearing I found on Schhnitz were $53 and were stock replacements. Were those the ones you purchased?

This is my 1st wheel bearing replacement on a bike, I read the manual and it calls out for bearing removal head, bearing removal shaft, and bearing driver tools. Also it stated that you should not apply grease to the bearings as they are already packed with grease(section 10-17, 10-18, pages 392-393). Does that sound right?

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zixxer14


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posted July 26, 2010 07:23 PM        
I just replaced my rear with All-Balls as Bob did, they are all double sealed. Got the set for 22.95 + shipping.
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Quarter Pounder


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posted July 26, 2010 07:54 PM        
quote:
Compton, the WWB bearing I found on Schhnitz were $53 and were stock replacements. Were those the ones you purchased?

This is my 1st wheel bearing replacement on a bike, I read the manual and it calls out for bearing removal head, bearing removal shaft, and bearing driver tools. Also it stated that you should not apply grease to the bearings as they are already packed with grease(section 10-17, 10-18, pages 392-393). Does that sound right?



You MUST install them by pounding on the OUTER race. Do NOT pound or hit the inner race. A bearing driver or a socket of the same diameter as the outer race can be used to pound the new one in.

Tip: Put the bearing in the freezer overnight before installing, and use some wd-40 for lube. Keep it square in the bore as you install them so you don't jack up the bearing cup.

And the manual is correct, do not apply any grease to the bearings as they are already packed from the factory.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'

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zixxer14


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posted July 26, 2010 09:02 PM        
p.s. you can also lightly heat the hub with a propane torch before installing the cold bearings. Makes it even easier. And again if you hit the inner race they are instantly bad.
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BobC


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posted July 26, 2010 11:16 PM        
quote:

Just don't be a dork and put a pressure washer to your bike.


I totally agree, for a dirt bike or motocrosser maybe but not a road bike. I even have a local a dealer who uses a pressure washer on all his bikes and claims he knows where not to aim it. I reckon he's lazy.

A bearings life depends so much on the environment it's used in. Dusty or damp will shorten it's life, if you ride in those conditions then go for the double seal.
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2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)

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Compton


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posted July 27, 2010 03:23 AM        
quote:
Compton, the WWB bearing I found on Schhnitz were $53 and were stock replacements. Were those the ones you purchased?




yeah, schnitz will charge you 9 to shipp, so 62 is what i paid for them.. i have no need for em, they are sitting in the package in my tool box.
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b.w.
zx14, little longer, little louder, little lower.
08 Busa, just a little longer and louder and lower than the 14

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Quarter Pounder


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posted July 27, 2010 11:49 AM        
quote:
p.s. you can also lightly heat the hub with a propane torch before installing the cold bearings. Makes it even easier. And again if you hit the inner race they are instantly bad.



yep...but he will have freshly powdercoated wheels...didn't even want to mention this option to him....usually freezing the bearings does the trick just fine.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'

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Superman T


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posted July 28, 2010 03:49 AM        
quote:
Im currently rebuilding my CBX . . . .

I went with "All-Balls" for my bearings. (wheels / steering head)

Bob


BobC/Zixxer- Do you find the "All-Balls" roles better than stock? Are they already packed with grease in them or do I have to add grease? The advice from Quarter Pounder to put the bearings in the freezer over night before installing, does this also apply to "All-balls" type? I'm ordering today so thanks in advance everyone for the help!

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zixxer14


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posted July 28, 2010 05:48 AM        
I just changed tires & checked them, they roll freely. I like doule sealed cause they provide better protection to the bearings. All sealed bearings have grease in them. Freezing the bearings shrinks them making it easier to install. I only put them in the freezer for an hour or so.
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Superman T


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posted July 28, 2010 08:56 AM        
Besides the dealership, anyone havwe an idea where to get the proper to remove and replace
bearings. Specifics please! I've had no luck locating the tools per the manual

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zixxer14


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posted July 28, 2010 09:53 AM        
To take them out you can beat on the inner race with a punch as they are junk anyway. Just move around the bearing to keep from cocking it sideways. Install with a socket that matches the outer race diameter using the open side. Be sure they are fully seated.
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Superman T


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posted July 28, 2010 12:09 PM        
Thanks!
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zixxer14


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posted July 28, 2010 06:28 PM        
Good luck.
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Superman T


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posted August 19, 2010 10:37 PM        
Well, I got my front wheel done and some misc. parts like heel gaurds, and passenger foot pegs. I chose to have the company powdercoat black and overlay sparkle clearcoat. Well it turned out GREAT! I took the time to wash the items again, spray a wax on, and polish the pieces with Liquid Glass($20 per can and the best polish on the market-IMHO)




The advice to put the bearings in the freezer the night before, used WD40 for the bearing housing, and obtain a socket the sized of the out race was spot on! I had them in 10minutes max


The color is amazing, it reminds me of the 2008 ZX14 Saphire blue(with the flakes that come to life with any illumination) but I have black. As a detailed person, the bike should really look nice when complete! I have a Vortex 43 tooth and rear wheel still pending in the same black. The nuts for the Vortex sprocket I chose to put on a sparkle blue(same color as my 06). I will post more pics when I assemble more.

Thanks to all for the help!!!

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