Parts Needed
-Rear wheel bearings: I used Kawasaki part# 92045-0123. Its the same bearing Yamaha uses but a fraction of the cost. I paid about $11 at my local Kawie dealer.
-New hub nuts: Optional depending on condition. Yamaha part# 90179-20006-00 I paid $6.84 a piece at my dealer
Tools Needed
-Grease Gun
-Torque Wrench
-Breaker Bar/Impact Gun
-27mm Socket
-17mm Wrench or Socket
-14mm Wrench or Socket
-Bearing cup or socket big enough to drive out/install the bearings (I used a 36mm)
-Snap Ring Pliers
-Hammer
-Small Flat Head Screwdriver
-Propane torch
-Punch Set
-Small Wire Brush
NOTE: Before you get started its best to put the bearings in the freezer for a few hours or overnight as this will help with the install of the bearings later on.
-Remove your tire to access the hub
-Pry the hub cover off with a small flat head screwdriver
-Using a small punch pound out locking ring on the hub nut
-Using a breaker bar or impact gun with a 27mm socket, take off the hub nut
-Slide the hub off
-Now that the hub is off you can take out the 2 bolts that hold the knuckle on. The head of the bolt is 14mm and the nut is 17mm.
-Slide the knuckle off the axle shaft. (Take the caps off the end of the knuckle where the bolts go through so you dont lose them). This is also a good time to inspect/clean your knuckle bushings and pins!! Mine were just replaced about 100-150 miles ago.
-Using your snap ring pliers remove the snap ring that holds the bearing in place. Might need a small screwdriver to help get the snap ring out.
-Place the knuckle in a vice with the snap ring side facing down. Make sure there is clearance for the bearing to come through the bottom.
-Using a torch, heat the knuckle up surrrounding the bearing. This will take a few minutes because aluminum dissipates heat fairly quick. I knew mine was hot enough when steam started coming out from the inside of the bearing.
-When its good and hot place your bearing cup/socket on the bearing and hammer it through. Its should come out fairly easy. If not use more heat.
-Now that the bearing is out its time to clean the rust and grime out of the bearing housing with a small wire brush or Scotch Brite pad. Try and get the rust and grease out of the snap ring groove too. I also cleaned my knuckle up real good while I was at it.
-Take your bearing out of the freezer and heat the knuckle up good and hot again. Center the bearing over the housing and tap the bearing back in until its flush with the top of the knuckle. (Make sure you go around the whole bearing so you dont get the bearing crooked in the housing and DO NOT hit the bearing in the center. Hit the outer race of the bearing to drive it in)
Once its flush with the top of the knuckle use a punch to tap it in the rest of the way. Again make sure you're hitting the outer race. When its all the way in the snap ring groove will be visible.
-Re-install the snap ring. Make sure its all the way seated by tapping all around it. (I didn't take a picture with the new bearing installed but you get the point)
-Re-install knuckle. I installed the bottom bolt first, slid the axle shaft back through, and then the top bolt. Tighten bolts to 32 ft. lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench just snug them up good with a 1/2" drive ratchet. Make sure you remember to put the bushing caps back on!!
-Re-install hub and tighten the hub nut to 145 ft.lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench just tighten it up real good until the factory indent on the hub nut matches up to the notch in the axle shaft. Or if you have new ones just wrench them on real tight.
-Using a small punch tap the locking part of the nut back into the notch on the axle shaft. Like I said earlier, you might need new hub nuts.
-Re-install hub nut cap
-Grease knuckle bushings
-Put the tire back on and you're done!!
Remember, heat is your friend with this project!!
