Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Motorcycles: Fundamentals, Service, Repair 332 Wheel Service Wheel service includes: • Repacking or replacing wheel bearings. • Tightening loose spokes. • Replacing broken spokes. • Replacing a dented rim or damaged hub. • Lacing and truing the complete wheel assembly. Removing a wheel for service usually requires discon- necting the speedometer cable and removing the brake cal- iper or drum. Follow the procedure in the service manual. Support the motorcycle with either the front or rear wheel off the ground, depending on the wheel you are working on. Repacking or Replacing Wheel Bearings Wheel bearing grease may become contaminated or break down from age or heat. This means wheel bearings should be replaced or cleaned and repacked with grease at periodic intervals. Because wheel bearings are reasonably priced, replacement is the more likely service. Riding conditions determine how often wheel bearings must be replaced or cleaned and repacked. A dirt bike used in mud, water, or sandy conditions will need its wheel bearings serviced much more frequently than a road bike. Intervals listed in the owner’s manual or service manual should be observed. Removing bearings varies from wheel to wheel, since different methods are used for spacing, sealing, and secur- ing the bearings in the hub. See Figure 16-15. A bearing removal tool can be used to remove the bearing without damaging it, Figure 16-16. Once the bearings are removed, they should be cleaned in solvent and dried if being reused. Warning Never use air pressure to spin the bearing while drying. The bearings could fly apart with enough force to cause serious injury. Make sure the rotation is smooth and inspect used bearings for pitting and play. Roughness or catching indicates a problem, and the bearing should be replaced. Both new bearings and clean used bearings must be packed with grease. Use a good grade of wheel bearing grease. When reinstalling the bearings in the hub, make sure they are not cocked and that they are seated completely. Do not forget the bearing spacers. Figure 16-17 shows proper bearing installation. Tightening Loose Spokes Because a wire wheel is continuously flexing, spokes have a tendency to loosen. Loose spokes can cause spoke, rim, and hub breakage. Spoke looseness detected during wheel inspection should be corrected immediately. Fork rocker arm Pivots Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Figure 16-14. Inspect the fork rocker arm for play. A B Threaded disc Circlip Bearing Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A. Figure 16-15. Before the bearing can be pulled, any fastener securing it in its housing must be removed. A—Bearings are sometimes secured by a circlip. B—A threaded disc can also be used to secure a bearing.