Front wheel repacking

Hi guys, I am new member and I love this site. I've got 1977 KZ650 few weeks ago so I want replace front wheel bearings. Last night I removed old bearings and now I am ready to install new sealed bearings. My question is how much grease should I apply - it looks like where the center

The bearings should be pre-packed with grease. If they are not take them back to the bearing store and get some that are. If you are in the US, All Balls bearings are a good choice. They are prepacked with wheel bearing grease and dirt cheap.

Thanks for reply, Yes I've got All Balls bearings - I know they sealed but my question about center spacer (tube between the bearings) should I feel empty space in the center with grease (around the tube)? Thanks

I wouldn't.
Steve

CrazyDude wrote: Thanks for reply, Yes I've got All Balls bearings - I know they sealed but my question about center spacer (tube between the bearings) should I feel empty space in the center with grease (around the tube)? Thanks

No. Keep that empty and clean. Ed

Agree. There is no reason for grease in that cavity.

When you tap the new bearing(s) in make sure you don't drive the second bearing in too far. You don't want the inner race pressing too tightly against the inner spacer.

Thanks guys, I will install bearings tomorrow......can't wait to move to the next fix, I think this bike has like a million things to fix

Nessism wrote: ....

When you tap the new bearing(s) in make sure you don't drive the second bearing in too far. You don't want the inner race pressing too tightly against the inner spacer.

Really? On my 81 650-CSR you're supposed to drive bearings all the way home until they seat, then install the snap rings.

martin_csr wrote:

Nessism wrote: ....

When you tap the new bearing(s) in make sure you don't drive the second bearing in too far. You don't want the inner race pressing too tightly against the inner spacer.

Really? On my 81 650-CSR you're supposed to drive bearings all the way home until they seat, then install the snap rings.

Yes, really!

When installing the bearings into my KZ750E wheel I drove the bearing in too far and the bearing bound up. Had the pound one of the bearings back out and replace it. You can not simply pound the outer race in until it hits the shoulder in the wheel, that may be too far.

Interesting. When I replaced the bearings on my KZ650-C1 both bearings fully seated in the wheel without causing stress on the inner race. Ed

Nessism wrote:
When installing the bearings into my KZ750E wheel I drove the bearing in too far and the bearing bound up. Had the pound one of the bearings back out and replace it. You can not simply pound the outer race in until it hits the shoulder in the wheel, that may be too far.

Well, I'm going to disagree. And I don't pound away at the bearings: I apply a small amount of grease to the race & wheel, then drive them home using a bearing driver. Two problems your way are that the bearings may not get installed "square" & if not seated, the bearing could shift when you hit a big pothole or something. It's been a while, but on the wheels I've done I'm pretty sure the bearings have to be seated to install the snap rings.

You don't want to do a King Kong on it. :lol: Yes there is always something to do on the bike. That's called maintenance.
Steve