i screwed up....please help

[pratner]

so i intalled new bearings in the front wheel of my 84 big red. Everything went pretty smooth and the new bearings were night and day from the old ones. So what is the problem? Well as i finish and im inspecting the improvement i notice the tube that goes between the bearings is still laying on the table. So after cussing myself for about 10 min, i begin to wonder, what is the point of this tube in the middle. it does not support the shaft, it does not attach to the bearings. im not really sure what the point of it is except maybe to keep grease or dirt or whatever off the shaft. so, do i really need it. im afraid to attempt to take the bearings back out for the sake of damaging them. so why cant i just forget about it. expecially if it is not that important. anybody have some tips for me, what should i do?

[atctim]

That tube is what keeps your bearings in place and keeps them from moving. When you tighten the axle nuts and spacers - this keeps pressure on the bearings. You need to tear it back apart and put it in there. I have done that same thing myself countless times on both front and rear axles.

[jeffatc250r]

It takes the side load off the bearings. Take it apart and put it back in. Your bearings are on borrowed time without it.

[pratner]

well that really sucks, what are the chances of me getting this apart without damaging the bearings?

[atctim]

you should be able to get it back apart no problem without damaging the bearings.

[stoney420]

i dont see why it would be to hard to get them out without damage since you just put them in, but even if you do damage them just buy new ones and put them in because without that tube you will need to buy new ones again soon anyways....
so A. replace it now and maybe not damage them or B. just say screw it, leave it and deffinetally damage them...not to come off as a dick by saying that but honestly, thats your only options..

[pratner]

well, i damaged it. I used a 1/4 inch rod to get it out and although the bearing turns, it is definatly not smooth like the other one. I already placed an order for a new kit, so hopefully that will not take very long. i still cant believe i didnt put that tube in!!!!

[SWIGIN]

with a new kit on the way, why not run the bearings you have for now?

[PaTriker]

Been there, done that. Your so excited about how good your new bearings will feel, you space out, turn around and say f***!

[bonkers_200s]

As long as you remove the bearing by the OUTER and not the INNER race, you shouldn't damage them. Being freshly installed, everything should be pretty easy to re-take apart.

[daniel_250r]

i dit the same thing when i did mine just take one side out and put er back in

[smvorndran]

I've probably replaced 25 sets of bearings in motorcycle and ATV wheels over the years, and I've done that probably 5 times. You almost always have to destroy the bearing to get it back out because the outer race is hidden in a pocket. You have to hit the inner race, which as you found, ruins the bearing. It happens. Just don't do it a second time on the same wheel!

smvorndran

[Yamaha_Rules69]

^^^^^^ You could have ordered the perts unlimited front bearring for about $4 a piece, from any motorcycle shop, then you wouldnt have to buy the kit. Parts Unlimited bearrings are just as good as any other to me. Good luck, and been there, done that.

[aldochina]

try to use something better than a peice of 1/4 " rod, I wood try a wooden dowel as long as there not froze. much less likely to ruin the bearing. that sucks though, we all been there.:lol:

[harryredtrike]

i have a cut broom stick i use works every time

[Dirtcrasher]

I've done it too :lol:, used a Dremel to cut a slight groove behind the bearing and removed it by the outer race without damaging the bearing :D