Over time, motorcycle wheel bearings wear down, causing noise, vibration, and poor handling. If you want a smoother ride, it is important to know how to remove motorcycle wheel bearings and replace them. If you ride a cruiser, a sportbike, or a dirt bike, performing this maintenance task can improve your bike’s performance and safety.

At Mototeks, we understand the importance of quality wheels and parts for your motorcycle. If you are upgrading your Harley Davidson wheels, replacing your wheel bearings is a vital step toward getting the best performance out of your ride.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about removing and replacing motorcycle wheel bearings, from gathering the right tools to reassembling your bike.

Tools You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools to make the process easier:

• Motorcycle stand or lift – To raise the bike and keep it stable.
• Socket wrench set – For removing the wheel axle and bolts.
• Bearing puller – Special tool designed to safely remove wheel bearings.
• Rubber mallet – For tapping the bearings or axle if needed.
• Drift or punch tool – To remove the inner race of the bearing.
• Grease – For lubricating the new bearings during installation.
• Heat source (optional) – To expand the bearing housing if it is stuck.

Having the right tools on hand will make the entire process smoother and more efficient.

Step 1: Prepare the Motorcycle

Start by lifting your motorcycle off the ground using a motorcycle stand or lift. This keeps the bike stable and gives you enough space to work on the wheels. Make sure your bike is secure before you begin.

If you are working on the front wheel, use a front stand or another lifting method to make sure the bike remains balanced. For the rear wheel, a rear paddock stand works well.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel from the Motorcycle

Before removing the bearings, you will need to take off the wheel. Start by loosening the axle nut with a socket wrench. Once the nut is loosened, if your bike has a brake caliper, unscrew, and remove the bolts securing it. Set the caliper aside carefully. If your bike uses a chain or belt, remove it from the rear sprocket by loosening the chain adjusters or gently lifting the belt off.

Next, slide the axle out of the wheel hub. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wheel. After the axle is free, carefully remove the wheel from the swingarm or front forks.

Keep track of any spacers or washers that come off with the axle. Make sure to remember the order in which they were placed, as these parts need to go back in the same position during reassembly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Bearings

To remove the old wheel bearings, you will need a bearing puller or a drift tool. Start by locating the bearings inside the wheel hub. Typically, there are two bearings—one on each side of the hub.

Using the bearing puller, press the bearings out of their housing. If the puller does not work, gently tap the outer race of the bearing with a rubber mallet. Be cautious not to damage the wheel hub while doing this.

If the bearings are particularly stubborn, try heating the area around them with a heat gun. The heat will expand the metal, making it easier to remove the bearings.

Alternatively, you can use a drift tool to tap around the inner race of the bearing. Strike it evenly with a punch to push the bearing out. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wheel during this process.

If you are upgrading to new Indian motorcycle wheels make sure to remove the old bearings carefully and measure the housing to confirm the size of the new bearings.

Step 4: Clean the Wheel Hub

Before installing the new bearings, it is important to clean the wheel hub. Use a clean rag and some brake cleaner to wipe away dirt, grease, or debris inside the hub. This will make sure the bearings seat properly and the installation goes smoothly.

Inspect the wheel for any damage, such as cracks or worn areas. If the wheel shows any signs of wear or damage, it may need to be replaced or repaired before proceeding. If everything looks good, you are ready to install the new bearings.

Step 5: Install the New Bearings

When installing the new bearings, first make sure they are the correct size for your wheel. Start by applying a thin layer of grease to the bearings. This helps with smoother rotation and reduces wear over time.

Next, use a bearing press tool or a drift tool to carefully insert the new bearing into the wheel hub. Make sure the bearing is aligned and seated properly.

Gently tap the bearing into place using a rubber mallet or the drift tool. Avoid forcing it in. If using a press, tighten it slowly and evenly to avoid damaging the bearing.

Repeat this process for the other bearing on the opposite side of the wheel hub. Take your time to confirm that the bearings are installed correctly. Once they are in, the bearings should sit flush with the hub and rotate smoothly when you spin them by hand.

Step 6: Reassemble the Wheel

Once the bearings are in place, you can begin reassembling the wheel. Start by placing the wheel back onto the bike and aligning the axle hole with the axle. If you removed a brake caliper or chain, carefully reinstall these parts, making sure they are securely fastened.

Next, slide the axle through the wheel, ensuring it goes through both bearings smoothly. Once the axle is in place, tighten the axle nut to the recommended torque specification, using a torque wrench for accuracy.

If your bike has spacers, confirm they are positioned correctly on both sides of the wheel. These are important for proper alignment and smooth wheel rotation.

Finally, if you had to remove the chain or belt, reattach it and adjust the tension as needed. Double-check everything is secure and properly aligned before moving on to the next step.

For MX wheels or dirt bikes, double-check the axle alignment and chain tension to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Step 7: Test the Wheel and Bearings

Once the wheel is back on the motorcycle, test the new bearings by spinning the wheel. It should rotate smoothly and quietly without any grinding or resistance.

Check the tightness of the axle nut and make sure everything is secure. If your bike has a brake caliper, pump the brake lever to make sure the pads seat properly.

Take the bike for a short test ride to confirm everything feels right and the wheel rotates smoothly at speed.

Step 8: Final Checks and Maintenance

After reinstalling the wheel, give everything a final inspection. Make sure all bolts, spacers, and axle nuts are tightened to the correct torque specifications.

Regularly check your motorcycle wheel bearings to avoid premature wear and to make sure you have a smooth ride. If you notice any noise or vibration, it could be a sign that your bearings need to be replaced again.

Removing and replacing motorcycle wheel bearings is a manageable task for any rider who enjoys doing their own bike maintenance. Are you working on Harley Davidson wheels, Indian motorcycle wheels, or MX wheels? The process is the same.

Mototeks offers top-quality aftermarket motorcycle parts, including wheels, bearings, and accessories. By performing regular maintenance like bearing replacements, your bike will run smoothly and reliably for years to come.