Replacing the wheel bearings: Difference between revisions

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Again: You don't want OEM bearings. They're single seal bearings. You should find instead a fully sealed (double seal) variant. Also, don't be surprised if the bearing that fits isn't listed as a wheel bearing; the front wheel bearing that fits the 250 and the Concours (same bearing) is usually listed as an alternator bearing. The double sealed bearings are maintenance free; if they get "notchy", toss 'em and replace 'em.

If you're having trouble finding your bearings, try looking at places that sell/work on ATVs or snowmobiles. They use many of the same bearings we do.

If you already have the bearings out of the wheel, the process is even simpler. Look at the side of the bearing's outer race (the part that touches the wheel). There should be a number there. That will be either a bearing industry number (or a variation thereof that you can decode), or a size (which would look something like 25x12). With that, you can walk into the store and match it up. It'll be even easier if you can carry the old bearing in. SKF is a respected manufacturer of bearings. If your supplier doesn't carry SKF, ask for the best they have. There's no use tearing all this stuff apart just to put a Chinese bearing in there.

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 Again: You don't want OEM bearings. They're single seal bearings. You should find instead a fully sealed (double seal) variant. Also, don't be surprised if the bearing that fits isn't listed as a wheel bearing; the front wheel bearing that fits the 250 and the Concours (same bearing) is usually listed as an alternator bearing. The double sealed bearings are maintenance free; if they get "notchy", toss 'em and replace 'em.
+If you're having trouble finding your bearings, try looking at places that sell/work on ATVs or snowmobiles. They use many of the same bearings we do.
 If you already have the bearings out of the wheel, the process is even simpler. Look at the side of the bearing's outer race (the part that touches the wheel). There should be a number there. That will be either a bearing industry number (or a variation thereof that you can decode), or a size (which would look something like 25x12). With that, you can walk into the store and match it up. It'll be even easier if you can carry the old bearing in. SKF is a respected manufacturer of bearings. If your supplier doesn't carry SKF, ask for the best they have. There's no use tearing all this stuff apart just to put a Chinese bearing in there.