How to remove wheel bearings of a dirt bike

Regular maintenance makes a vehicle perform at its best. If it isn’t being maintained, not only will it not be performing at its peak, but it will also be a cause of major concern for the safety of the drivers. Dirt bikes follow the same rule. 

And one of the important parts of dirt bike maintenance is removing its wheel bearings. It might look like a simple process but it breathes new life into your dirt bike. To top it all off, the process of removing the wheel bearing of a dirt bike is quite easy. 

You must place the bike properly, then remove the bike chain from the sprocket. Axle and bearings must be removed after that. And there you have it, you can easily fix the current bearing or add a new one. 

Let’s take a deeper look at how to remove the wheel bearings of a dirt bike to fully you prepare you for this…

Removing the wheel bearings from a dirt bike

As with any other piece of machinery, the wheel bearings of a dirt bike also wear off with time. When that happens, one must have an idea about how to remove dirt bike wheel bearings to replace them. Here are a few easy steps for removing the wheel bearings of a dirt bike:

Tools and Materials Required

Before starting the process, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

• Socket wrench set
• Hammer or rubber mallet
• Wheel bearing puller or press
• Punch or extractor
• New bearings
• Grease
• Safety gloves and eye protection

1. Properly positioning the bike

Putting the bike in the right position is essential before bearing removal begins. The correct way to place the dirt bike is to place it on a bike stand. This will make sure the wheels of the bike are off the ground which will allow easy access to the bearings.

2. Removing the bike chain from its sprocket

Once the bike is propped up, it’s time to loosen up the axle nut as well as the screw that is present in the bolts of the chain adjuster. As a result, the bike’s rear wheel will be able to be pushed forward. This in turn will result in the bike chain being removed from the sprocket without having to disconnect the joiner link.

3. Removing the axle

Next, the axle has to be removed. Sometimes the axle gets stuck if it hasn’t been taken off the bike for quite a while. Tapping it with a mallet is the best way to remove it. It is almost sure to take some time before the axle is fully removed, so having a bit of patience is suggested. 

4. Removing the bearings

After removing the axle, you have to remove the seals on the outside. Then propping the wheel up at an angle, tap the opposite side continuously until the bearings are completely removed. If the side of the bearings is tapped, not only will they not come out, but the axle shaft’s interior will also be damaged.

Cleaning and Inspection

1. Once the old bearings are removed, clean the wheel hub and axle thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Inspect the hub and axle for any signs of wear or damage, such as pitting or rust. If you notice any damage, consider replacing the hub or axle.
3. Apply a generous amount of new grease to the hub and axle to ensure proper lubrication.

Installation of New Bearings

1. Install the new bearings onto the wheel hub using a bearing press or hammer. Ensure that the bearings are evenly seated and aligned.
2. Install the new bearings onto the wheel axle by pressing them in with a bearing press or using a punch. Be sure to align the bearings correctly.

Reassembly

1. Reattach the wheel to the dirt bike following the instructions provided in your bike’s manual.
2. Tighten the axle nut and other bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings. Do not over-tighten as this can cause damage to the bearings and the wheel hub.
3. Spin the wheel to ensure it moves freely and smoothly.

Testing and Maintenance

1. Test ride your dirt bike to ensure that the wheel bearings are functioning correctly.
2. Monitor the bearings and re-grease them periodically to ensure optimal performance.
3. Replace the bearings if you notice any signs of wear or damage.

Read More: How To Adjust The Clutch On A Dirt Bike

Final Words

Proper maintenance of your dirt bike’s wheel bearings is essential for its optimal performance and longevity. By following the above steps, you can easily remove and replace the bearings on your own. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, always consult your bike’s manual or seek the help of a professional mechanic.