Best tool for wheel bearings?

[NeilGS]

I need to remove the wheel bearings on the front cast wheel of my 2015 LC, to take them to be powder coated.
I have tried the heating it up method and then knocking from the opposite side trying to hit the edge of the bearing. No movement!
Is there a good tool for this job , as there seems to be a few different types and which suits the GS better.
Or do I just take it to a bike shop to be done!
Also best source for new bearings?
Thanks.

 

[Rowle]

Hi.
The ones below are ok if the bearings are willing to come out - slide hammer principle.
I have removed loads of bike wheel bearings and find the best way is to keep the tyres on to keep the wheel rim from damage.
Then get proper steel bar just smaller than the hole. Lump hammer to remove but it they can take some persuading.

To put new bearings in dont use a hammer. Get a piece of 12mm all thread and some big washers and squeeze the bearings in slowly.
A large socket just smaller than the outer race can then be used to seat it fully if needed.
Take your time try not to use heat if possible.

 

[Smug]

Use the outer race of the old bearing to pull the new bearings in with threaded rod and washers.

 

[grant123]

putting the new bearing in the freezer makes a massive difference also.

 

[Boxflyer]

Here's a YouTube video I made to cover this topic awhile back.
The link should start at 3:30, the approx time where the information about removing the bearings is relevant and the topic is over about 15:00 into the video.
https://youtu.be/ZS8eZdVaCGU?t=212

Hope this helps.

 

[knutk]

In my opinion this type of puller is the best suited for the job of pulling the bearings:

The lower rim of the tool will grab the bearing from below. Actually, 0,1mm of surface will do if using quality steel.

Inserting the bearing is easy: Warm up the hub to 100 degrees, and the bearing will fall in by it self. Leave the hub horizontal untill it has been cooled of, or just to make sure, drop the axel through the bearing while it cools of to ensure proper alignment. (I personally have never felt the need to do the axle thing)

I personally object using any kind of hammer on aluminum. There is very limited controll of the force being used, and that is not healthy for a material that accumulates loads.

 

[m1keyp]

Do you have a link?

I have looked but cannot find what's in the picture

 

[knutk]

Do you have a link?

I have looked but cannot find what's in the picture

A complete kit with quality pullers is insanely expesive.
When I bought my 'collection' I went to a local dealer that sels industrial tools, and I bought 2 internal Bearing pullers (Internal Extractors) and corsponding Counterstay (To pull the puller out rather than using a hammer).
I use two sizes. 1 that will fit inside the bearing if it is not damaged, fitting the axel dimension, and 1 to pull the outer race only if the bearing is busted and have dropped it's balls. Shaft on the GS is 20mm and the outer race is outside 47mm, typical KUKKO 21-4, covers 20 - 30mm and KUKKO 21-5 (28-40mm) or perhaps the KUKKO 21-6 (35-46mm).
The Counterstay should be the KUKKO 22-2.

Kukko webpage, for pictures and an idea of the cost:
https://www.samstagsales.com/kukko.htm#internalbearingpullercounterstay

This is known names for the pros, so they will know what you are asking for, and perhaps suggest a different brand of equal quality.

As mentioned, expensive stuff. But the steel quality is out of this world. For idiots like me, I get a kick from first tighten the puller so tight as I possibly can and see that it's held by merely a lip of perhaps 0,1 mm, and it pulls like there is no tomorrow and doesn't even leave a scratch in the tool. (Yes, I know, my wife says I need help ).

 

[knutk]

Sorry. Double

 

[NeilGS]

Thanks for replies. I don’t fancy paying hundreds of pounds for a tool I may only ever use once so may just drop it into the nearest dealer and give them a tenner to pull them out.
What is a good source for quality replacement bearings?

 

[captaindan]

Hi Neil,
Shame you are not near Hapton, Burnley, i would do it for you. I run my own bearings and power trans Company which although mainly industrial, i keep a lot of stock and help many bikers out. The expanding collect type are certainly a good puller and i have one for in house use. The kukko brand is really good but a bit pricy too.
If you let me have your bearing numbers, i am sure i can help you out, and anyone else for that matter. Even if its just advice. 36 years in, i have seen it all ��
Dan

 

[NeilGS]

Just had them removed by the local bike mechanic. £10. He used some metal piece that expands with a rod and then knocked them out. 2 minute job.
The bearings are 6204LU

 

[captaindan]

Pm sent with details,
Standard size bearing that, best makes probably SKF or FAG, both really good. Any good bearing factor should have them in stock, but avoid cheaper brands as there are some dodgy ones out there. Expect to pay around 4 or 5 pounds

 

[NeilGS]

Thanks for that and the PM. I take it the plastic cover that go over the bearings are a BMW part and not from the bearing suppliers?

 

[captaindan]

They certainly are old bean