Rear wheel bearing adjustment / replace

Stevea63

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Hi, I got an advisory on my MOT that the rear wheel bearing was in need of adjustment. The Haynes manual says its beyond the scope of the book, does that mean specialist tools are required ? Is there any adjustment or is the only option a replacement?
TIA, Steve
 
Hi, I got an advisory on my MOT that the rear wheel bearing was in need of adjustment. The Haynes manual says its beyond the scope of the book, does that mean specialist tools are required ? Is there any adjustment or is the only option a replacement?
TIA, Steve
If he means the wheel bearing and not the bevel box to swinging arm bearing(s), then just replace it along with the seal.

No special tools needed but it has to be done correctly to avoid excessive wear on the new bearing. Crown wheel in the freezer and new bearing in the oven usually works.
 
Hi, I got an advisory on my MOT that the rear wheel bearing was in need of adjustment. The Haynes manual says its beyond the scope of the book, does that mean specialist tools are required ? Is there any adjustment or is the only option a replacement?
TIA, Steve
Many mechanics with little BM FD experience will mistake bevel pivot bearing movement for wheel bearing play... Same feeling different location and likely notchy pivot bearings...

Ps the old test for this is find the play by pushing and pulling the back or top of the tyre and then see if it goes away or stays when you hold the rear brake pedal down... If there's still play it's the pivot bearings...
My test is to put my finger between the swingarm edge and the brake disc and you'll feel the movement... Mine have often been worse on the wheel side pivot...
 
Hi, I got an advisory on my MOT that the rear wheel bearing was in need of adjustment. The Haynes manual says its beyond the scope of the book, does that mean specialist tools are required ? Is there any adjustment or is the only option a replacement?
TIA, Steve

Sounds like the final drive paralever bearing need adjusting - simple job if you’re not ham fisted, and you have a heat gun … it’s the inner (lefthand side) pinion that’s adjustable, the one with the large locknut.
 
Same happened to me - MOT (in France) said wheel bearing play. Will need changing soon. Took it to BMW in San Sebastian for a full service. What a nonsense! They told me I needed a new final drive as they couldn't replace the bearing - and they missed a sticking calliper on the front end. Not recommended!
I followed a few posts here on identifying and changing the pivot bearing. Result - no more rocking rear wheel. You need a big torque wrench though! 160nm and you MUST heat the bolt up to 120 degrees or so to get the old loctite to melt or you may damage the casing.
 
Don't talk to me about advisories - MOT testers wet dreams.

I have no problem if they are genuine fair & accurate observations but, I get the distinct impression that some testers like to write up the odd advisory, be it car or bike, using little more than a vivid imagination. After all it's just an opinion on the day, but their reaction, when challenged, usually tells it all. 'Well it passed, so you are OK to drive/ride - you can complain formally if you wish' (WOMBAT option) - sometimes there are no niceties on display, so they tell you to just 'feck right off & never darken their door again'. The trouble is you can end up looking a right chump if you then take said car/bike to a dealer for rectification without investigating the supposed issue thoroughly.

Mild rant over, but this has happened to me on 3 occasions in the last few years. I realise some owners misuse the MOT bay & only address what the tester finds, indeed it's easy to miss minor issues hidden underneath a car, but I pride myself in checking every aspect of my bikes well in advance, so they can be presented for MOT in perfect running order.
 
MOT testers will probably be scored on comments so like write something, many testers couldn't tell a pivot bearing from a wheel bearing issue as they hardly see bikes like ours and... The problem is much simpler than it sounds...
 


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