Lost my bearings!!(part II)

[Guest]

I'm replacing my worn Cheng Shin tires with Avon Road Riders, and after removing the rear wheel I detect some roughness in the bearings, not a big suprise at 42,600 miles. The questsion is...what is the difference between the right and left bearings? The front wheel bearings L&R are identical, so what's the deal with the rears? They have different part numbers, but there descriptions are both B1 - 17x47x14 BEA. I still OK to pick them up at the local bearing wholesaler (Precision Bearing Co. in C.R. IA)? Anyone deal with this recently?

[Nessism]

Only difference is one of those bearings has rubber seasl and the other doesn't. As long as you get two bearings with rubber seals you will be fine.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Here's some information I've saved from that sage old GS850 rider, Mr. bwringer.

Wheel Bearings

"On the GS shaft drive bikes, the front bearings are part number 6302, and the rears are 6303. You'll need two each as you always replace them as a set. They are sealed on one side. Install the sealed side towards the outside of the wheel. If you can, get "2RS", which means "2 rubber seals" (6302-2RS and 6303-2RS), sealed on both sides. These are industry-standard designations. If you look up the Suzuki part numbers, you'll see the standard bearing number is embedded. Note that the bearings are standard metric sizes and are available anywhere there are machines. You can also find them at Z1 Enterprises,All Balls Racing, and other bike vendors (see the info/links page). If there are spacers between the bearings, don't forget to put them back."


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[kcolton]

Thanks for the feedback guys, you confirmed what I learned speaking to the various bearing supply businesses in the area. I did find the right bearings at $14 each for units with seals on both sides. I assume it is OK to leave the seals on both sides? The original bearing on the drive side of the wheel has no seal. And my choice of Avon Road Riders is partially due to Mr. bwringer, whom I met at the recent Fennimore Rally. Thanks Gents!

[bwringer]

Holy crap, $14 each? What brand bearing is that? It should be less than half that.

Any old 6303-2RS bearing will work. Even the Chinese cheapies will be fine -- these bearings are made to handle speeds and loads far beyond anything a motorcycle can throw at them.

And yes, leave the seals on both sides. Can't hurt, keeps the grease in.

And no, you don't need to open them up and pack in more grease (bad advice I've seen elsewhere...)

[cyclefvr2]

cheap bearings are what they are "CHEAP"!! DONT WAIST YOUR MONEY, pack them,as well

[almarconi]

Here's some on amazon for $3.95 plus shipping

http://www.amazon.com/VXB-6303-2RS-Bearing-17x47x14-Sealed/dp/B002BBAZQ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1287734475&sr=1-2

[Nessism]

It wouldn't bother me to pay $14 each for bearings as long as they are made by one of the name brand bearing houses. Generics typically cost about 1/3 as much but can be a gamble. The OE bearings are made in Japan and top quality.

[kcolton]

Hey, it's only money! Actually, most of the bearing suppliers stayed away from the cheap Chinese bearings when they knew it was for use on a motorcycle. I was able to get SKF brand bearings, one with seals and one w/out, just like the original equipment. I'll get some good 60% Moly grease and be good for another 31 years and 42,000 miles. Now I just need enough nice weather yet to get those Road Riders worn in...!