| Author | Message | ||
     Pkforbes87 |
So I picked up a rock in the rear tire while on vacation in Missouri a couple weeks ago. While I had the wheel off to get the replacement tire mounted, I checked out the bearings and they seem to be difficult to spin. Is that normal? I seem to remember them spinning easily just by putting two fingers through the bearing, applying some pressure, and turning either direction. Also, there was some light damage to the right side of the axle when I removed it. The damage is a few shallow gouges in the surface, and they run the circumference of the axle. They're about 1.5-2" away from the right tip of the axle. Just from eyeballing it, I'd say that's right where the axle contacts the right wheel bearing. I didn't have access to anti-sieze, so used some wheel bearing grease when reinstalling the axle. Hope that doesn't destroy anything  | ||
| Twobuells |
Replace bearings asap. | ||
| Jlnance |
Bearings are cheap. Replace them. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
The marks on the axle indicate failure. Don't even ride it around the block. You might ruin your axle or wheel. | ||
| Towpro |
Phil, rear wheel bearing failure is a "known issue" on the Uly. Replace them now. Worse case I have read of people needing a new rear rim, axle and swing arm after the bearings fail. you caught this just in time. The ultimate fix is a 2010 rim. It has larger bearings, 2 bearings on the RS and real wheel seals instead of just sealed bearings. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'd put in a new axle as well. Al had them in stock, I got one with the replacement bearings he also had in stock. It wasn't unreasonably expensive. One factor leading to bearing failure was tolerance error stack up causing the bearings to be side loaded by axle tightening. I also think resistance to spinning isn't necessarily a problem, if the lube is still in the bearing, they will still be stiff. But should definitely be smooth and not have play. A free spinning bearing probably has no grease left in it. So its the witness marks on your axle that is the real red flag here... | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
8500 miles.. That's pretty quick for this known problem to show itself. Bearings spin smoothly with no notchy feeling, it's just that they're stiff. I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow and see if a pre-failure replacement is possible under warranty. Thanks guys. | ||
| Rwven |
My original rear bearings were on the way out by 8500 miles. Pop the grease seals and inspect them. If the grease is brown and gritty replace them. The brown and gritty is from the steel races rusting. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Dealer says warranty repairs and/or replacements are not an option since nothing has failed. I mentioned the possibility of damage to the wheel and swingarm, and was assured that those too fall under warranty coverage if the bearings fail. Oh well, I tried giving them a heads up. Now I guess it's time to ride the piss out of the thing until the bearings fail. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Now I guess it's time to ride the piss out of the thing until the bearings fail. Well I hope that doesn't put you on your ear, or worse... Scoring on the axle could mean a spinning inner race, if so there already is a failure. Seizure could result in disaster. Call CS 1-414-343-8400, see what they'll do for you. That's great that a dealer would just blow you off like that without asking you to bring it in to inspect, really concerned for your safety aren't they? | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Called CS, they agree that damage to the axle is more than enough proof that a failure has occurred. Dealer now has bearings and an axle on order  CS was very helpful.. I'll have to keep that number handy for future use. Thanks! | ||
| Xbimmer |
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| Buellerxt |
Good man, Xbimmer, GOOD MAN! | ||
| Motorfish |
Yeah, just ride it until it breaks, then we`ll fix it. I just hate that crappy response. Glad to hear CS helped you out before you had to rent a U-hual 350miles form home. DAMHIK  |
