Wheel Bearing Problem?????
 

My S'Hawk has been making a slight grinding sound, when I'm cleaning the frnt rim. I thought maybe the brakes were grabbing. A buddy of mine was over and said it was probably the wheel bearings. It's an 03' with 9300 miles, I never noticed a sound b-4 this riding season, I also finally got a front stand, could of been a problem sooner. I have yet to notice any issues riding, at least nothing I have'nt gotten used to aleady.:( Any thoughts? I'm sure someone's replaced wheel bearings, are there any brands that,A) work better or B) last longer than OEM. Not sure how to go about replacing them either. Any help would be appreciated.:D

I'd believe a dragging caliper is more likely with that mileage.

Thanks, I'll pull the brakes off tonite and take a look.

Unbolt and pull the calipers back so you can spin the tire freely.

Definetly the pad. Pulled off the Ferodo pads last night, put the oem's back on, problem solved. Seems as if I warped one of the pads, probably did something wrong upon install. Thanks thetophatflash!

To clarify for my own learning . . . don't pads always drag a little bit on the rotor, even on a perfectly set up system? There is nothing to pull the pads back, right?

If not, I need to fix my brakes.

I believe to a certain degree, my sound was much worse than normal floating caliper noise. Looking at these brakes the last couple nights makes me miss my 04' 1000rr's brakes....but thats about all I miss, Love the hawk!!

Thanks for giving use full information.

You could always put an 04 RR front end on the hawk. They bolt right up. I just bought some bearings. The best deal/ quality was from cheap cycle parts dot com. Genuine honda units for dirt cheap

what about the rear,will it work too.its much lighter than the hawks,right?

I dont know for sure about the rear but it varies year to year. I did the 1000RR front. I think the 900RR swinger is a better candidate.

Or you could do the VFR SSS but it adds a touch of wheelbase. (though you'd barely notice while riding)

I was with a group riding, several were riding SH's. About 1/3 of the way thru the ride one of the bikes developed a disconcerting wobble with the rear wheel. It got worse and finally it was obvious it was the wheel bearings taking a dump, good job it didn't happen at high speed. The wheel was ruined, he had to buy a new wheel.

If you need new bearings any good bearing supply house will have them at 1/8 stock price that's where most shops buy from. Mcguires in PDX last year 2 fronts and dust seals $12

how often are new wheel bearings needed, in real world terms? My friend who lost a rear wheel had no indication anything was wrong until he felt a slight wobble about 10 -15 miles before the bearings grenaded. Good job he wasn't moving very fast when it happened.

30, 40K is not uncommon.

Hit those wheels with a pressure washer and it could be 200-300 miles.

If you are checking them at each tire change, you should not get cought short....unless your one of the folks that can get 6 years out of a tire...
Me im lucky to see 3k from a rear...

I had some for 50k mi but never pressure washed. When it went I was 55mi from home & had to limp it.

On my vtr they are perfect after 32k mi but I always keep spare sets to not get caught out there