New Wheel Bearings

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Loverobot, Jul 4, 2014.

  1. Have some new wheel bearings for the ST3 - ducati oem
    When I removed the oil ones which had prematurely failed on one side I opened the seal and found them to be dry as a bone
    I had assumed they would be pre-greased
    Do you pre-grease the interior of wheel bearings before install? I had been reluctant to lift and damage the seal
     
    #1 Loverobot, Jul 4, 2014
  2. Surely these are sealed?
     
    #2 mattmccabebrown, Jul 4, 2014
  3. No. all quality bearings come pre greased, there is hardly any grease at all really when you look, as most people think you need fill the bearing completely with grease.......................... wrong , think about how thin the oil gap is in your main bearing caps, so a ball bearing has great cooling qualities also needs to move in it's race not hampered by globs of grease in the way!!
     
    #3 PeterT, Jul 4, 2014
  4. Thanks for that
    I guess the other bearings were just bad quailty or maybe I stressed the inside - they were literally like brown powder - prob rust once I pulled the seal - and they were only 3 months / 1500 miles old
    I was much more careful on the install this time and used proper duc bearings
     
    #4 Loverobot, Jul 4, 2014
  5. I've had three St,'s and all have required new wheel bearings. I'm on my second set for my current bike. All fitted by a ducati specialist.

    A friend of mine has also had issues with his St.

    I think the wheel bearings on the St model do suffer. Probably because we ride them in all weather conditions.
     
    #5 its me, Jul 8, 2014
  6. Buy a quality bearing\s from a reputable manufacturer, not all bearings are truly created equal. What "make" is the Ducati bearing. Koyo bearings are very good and a decent bearing retailer should be able to match you up a set.

    Overgreasing can be as bad as no grease as it creates pressure in the bearing which can lead to damaged bearings and cage distortion.
     
    #6 Red998, Jul 8, 2014
  7. and where possible drive or press in from outer race.
     
    #7 finm, Jul 8, 2014
  8. The right hand front wheel bearing is completely exposed and even without using things like power washers, the grease seems to leach out and leads to premature failures.

    I've have my ST4s for six years done 42k miles on it and have had to do the front wheel bearings three times.

    Along with starter solenoids, oil pressure switches and light relays, they seem to be a consumable on the STs.

    A
     
    #8 Ascalon, Jul 24, 2014
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