Front Bearings / Hub question

[Gregory]

78 gs1000e/ front wheel bearings

I made the mistake of trying to pound out the front bearings by trying to pound them "through" instead of pulling them.

When I realized I was making a mistake, I came in and found BassCliffs paper on it. Since the bearings were toast anyway, I just used a punch on the inside ring and they came right out.

Now that they are out I have a 3 questions.

1.) Does it look like I damaged the hub? The openings are not the same on both sides, and the flange is smaller on one side. (see pics)

2.) Is the bearing spacer supposed to just float in there? The skirt on it is smaller than either opening, so I cannot figure out what the skirt on the bearing spacer would be for?

3.) Are any brand of bearings superior to others?

Any help, advise or lessons learned will be appreciated.

[Gregory]

Ok I guess I have a 4th questions now. I was looking up bearing to buy and some kits come with "seals" I didnt see any seals in mine, and if it requires them, where do they go?

[Gregory]

Help?? Anybody have experience with this? I hate to spend money on bearings if I am going to have to buy a new wheel......

[tkent02]

Can't see anything wrong with the wheel. The sealed bearings are best, but the unsealed ones will work. The little skirt keeps the spacer centered enough for the axle to slide right in. The spacer keeps the bearings from being smashed together as the axle nut is tightened.

[Gregory]

Can't see anything wrong with the wheel. The sealed bearings are best, but the unsealed ones will work. The little skirt keeps the spacer centered enough for the axle to slide right in. The spacer keeps the bearings from being smashed together as the axle nut is tightened.

Thanks for the help. I guess I will get on ebay or z1 today and order some.

I guess I am STOOOPID because I still dont see how that skirt on the spacer does anything. There is nothing in there for it to rest on or butt up against.

In fact, the opening inside the wheel looks big enough that the spacer could drop all the way out of the way if it is not compressed in by the tightness of the bearings.

ALSo: the front wheel bearing "kits" include "seals" which my wheel did not have in there... do I need them? and if so, do they go on the inside or outside of the bearings? the oem parts lookup did not show them.

[tkent02]

When is held in place length wise, the skirt or flange sits right on the narrowest part where the bearing butts up against. Once you put one bearing in check it out. Put the flange on the side the axle will come in from.
The brand doesn't matter much, wheel bearings are easy duty for a bearing. They last forever if they stay clean and lubricated. Go to a local bearing supplier. Good sealed bearings will be about six bucks each.

[Gregory]

Your the best, problems solved....thanks for the info!!

[allojohn]

The spacer floats, if it doesn't you've banged in the right bearing too far. The left one (speedo side) should be driven home.

[Gregory]

Thanks Mal -
I just ordered the "bearing and seal kit" off of ebay for $12. I hope I can figure out where the seals go since my originals did not have anything other than the bearings and spacer.

[allojohn]

Thanks Mal -
I just ordered the "bearing and seal kit" off of ebay for $12. I hope I can figure out where the seals go since my originals did not have anything other than the bearings and spacer.

Not sure how the seals are going to help you, there's no extra room in there.
As Tom said, the bearings are sealed or unsealed - single unit.

[tkent02]

The bearings in the pic in your first post are sealed bearings.

[Gregory]

these are sealed bearings too arent they? What I am talking about are those black "seals". I guess they dont get used.










AB Front Wheel Bearing Kit Suzuki GS1000EC 1978

[tkent02]

Not sure what they are for , they look too small to be fork seals?

[Gregory]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AB-Front-Wheel-Bearing-Kit-Suzuki-GS1000EC-1978-/321029658094?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abedbd5ee&vxp=mtr

[allojohn]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AB-Front-Whe...dbd5ee&vxp=mtr

It may be a generic pic, and when the kit arrives those rubber bits won't be in it!