Wheel Runout

[bill_face]

Hey there,

I have a 1979 GS 550 with cast wheel. I got something approaching an MOT done the other day (as it no longer needs one), and the mechanic said there would have been an advisory for front wheel run out. Is this repairable?

[seinwave]

That sounds like a wheel bearing issue - I think that's the only place in the manual where runout readings are mentioned in relation to the front wheel. Those should be replaceable.

[bwringer]

Is the wheel bent or damaged somehow, or are the bearings just wobbly?

The latter, bad bearings, is a straightforward fix.

These early cast wheels were IMMENSELY overbuilt, almost comically strong... and heavy. I can't recall even hearing about a bent cast GS wheel that wasn't in a catastrophic accident, or at least an impact with an object that destroyed the tire as well.

As a consequence, wheels for old Suzukis are pretty easy to find, if the wheel itself is bent and needs to be replaced. (On modern bikes, bent wheels from minor impacts are very common, and good used wheels are nearly nonexistent.)

FWIW, the spec for runout in the manual I have on hand for a GS850 specifies 2.0mm axial and radial (front and rear). This is quite a lot, actually, and easily visible if you spin the wheel.

[bill_face]

I haven't hit anything with the wheel so I'll assume it's bearings and replace them first

[Grimly]

These early cast wheels were IMMENSELY overbuilt, almost comically strong... and heavy. I can't recall even hearing about a bent cast GS wheel that wasn't in a catastrophic accident, or at least an impact with an object that destroyed the tire as well.

Hah, tell me about it. I stupidly rear-ended a Rover SD1 at a moderate heavy traffic speed when he braked suddenly. Not deliberate, it was stop-go traffic and he wasn't trying to brake check me.
The rear bumper of the car fell off, supported only by a couple of licence plate light wires.
I drew up next to him and told him his bumper had fallen off, good citizen that I am.