Disassembling Wheels

Gill Gripper · #1 2nd December 2007

Has anyone totally disassembles wheels before? I have a 2000 M2 and am taking off the wheels and disassembling them to have them powder coated. I have a service manual, but was wondering if there were any tips or tricks that someone else might have. Also, is it necessary to have a bearing puller (I don't have one) or can I just knock the bearings out with a drift punch? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

decman · #2 2nd December 2007

You want to use the right tool for the sealed bearings because you
don't want to screw up the cavity. Motion Pro makes an inexpensive one.

If these are older type bearings then the drift will work on the races.

SpartanDen · #3 2nd December 2007

Just make sure you tap on the outer race, where it seats to the rim. Do not beat on the center race unless you plan to replace the bearings. You stand a good chance of knocking the inner race and the rollers out by beating on the inner race.

decman · #4 3rd December 2007

Well with sealed bearings it's impossible to get them out without
damaging them. Well the first side your remove that is.
Unless you have some type of wheel I don't know about, you can
not get to the outer race from the inside when removing them.

Install them then yes, only press them in using the outer race.

New bearings are only about $40, install new ones.

Gill Gripper · #5 3rd December 2007

I figured with the spacer in the center that getting to the outer race would be difficult. As for changing the bearings, it seems that the two for the front wheel are only about $9 each. The two on the right side rear wheel are also only about $9 each, but the one on the left lists for about $50 just for the one. I don't mind replacing the $9 bearings, but $50 for just one bearing? That seems a bit much. Any suggestions? Thanks

decman · #6 4th December 2007

Sorry, I guess I don't know what the difference is with the M2
wheels as compared to the Sportster wheels. On an XL both
bearings are the same.

Gill Gripper · #7 4th December 2007

decman,

No apology necessary. I thank you for your replies. I guess I took for granted that everyone knew how the M2s wheels were configured and I didn't really describe them. I also haven't taken the wheels off yet and have been asking questions based on the diagrams in the service and parts manuals. I'm going to look into an inexpensive bearing puller or just remove the wheels and have a shop remove them for me. That might be the best way to go for me. I appreciate all the help and suggestions.