Bearing maintenance

[bourbonjohnson]

My front tire has been making a metal-on-metal noise. I am guessing it is a simple issue of the bearings needing to be cleaned and repacked. As I was looking at the torque specs, I noticed that a tool set is recommended.

Bearing puller: 09941-50111
and bearing installers: 09924-84521 & 09924-84510

On my old bike, I used a wood dowel to remove and a ruber mallet to install. Since the tools are notably expensive, I am hesitant to buy.

Any recommendations; buy or not to buy? Also, there are three types of thread lock listed, can't I just use a simple automotive threadlock?

p.s. what's a good 99000-31110: SUZUKI BOND "1215"

[alantf]

Have you checked that the metal on metal sound isn't due to the brake pads being totally worn down?
BTW, I use loctite blue for everything. No problems so far.

[bourbonjohnson]

I pulled the tire and the breaks are fine, I'm going to replace the bearings.

"As I was looking at the torque specs, I noticed that a tool set is recommended.

Bearing puller: 09941-50111
and bearing installers: 09924-84521 & 09924-84510

On my old bike, I used a wood dowel to remove and a rubber mallet to install. Since the tools are notably expensive, I am hesitant to buy.

Any recommendations; buy or not to buy?"

[wacio]

From what I see in the manual the tool to remove front wheel bearings is pushing on the inner race to remove the bearing from the hub. This typically leads to bearing damage and so it's clearly stated requiring replacement each time when bearings are removed.

I personally would buy new ones (very cheap on Amazon). If they are making noise they are done anyway.

If you are replacing them and you can find way to remove from wheel - skip the tool. Just remember to install new bearings in hub by pushing on the outer race so you don't ruin the races. Tool for this can be substituted by right diameter bushing.

Use disc brake rated grease for bearings (if not sealed).

Very important is to put all spacers where they belong otherwise your bearings will fail in no time. Check if they are matching with part layout in parts list on partzilla if bike was bought used.

[SpecVStrom]

The front bearings failed on my '09 with only 600 miles showing.
I bought an 'All Balls Racing' front bearing kit for the bike, and here are their installation instructions.
Yes, they are sealed bearings and very inexpensive. Just tap the old ones out with a hammer and good punch. Heat the hub well with a hair drier, and tap the new ones in by the outer race only very evenly and gently. Don't forget the inner spacer before the second bearing install.

Cheers, and God bless.

https://www.allballsracing.com/media/installation/Wheel_Bearing_Install.pdf