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Removing and replacing Bustec Bearings

1K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  Harry Robinson 
#1 ·
I have a new set of Bushtec bearing on the way in, I found one side had a noticeable roughness to it when spinning the wheel while holding the wheel up with my fingers in the bearings, so time to change them.

Really have not looked closely at how they are installed and was just wanting some ideas on how difficult they are to remove and replace and what techniques or tools did you end up using? I am not sure if I have bearing puller any more, I have to go look in the toolbox, got spoiled working where I was that I had access to a full set of pullers and presses both arbor and hydraulic, if I were still there I would just haul them to work and break them down on my lunch break or after hours, but no longer work there, so I am on my own.

Thanks
 
#4 ·
I realy have no idea on the mileage, only use it about once every other year, had it since 2001, so lets say 8 trips at 3000 miles each trip so maybe 24,000 miles.
 
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#3 ·
How difficult depends on the tools you have.
Obviously best to have an internal puller. Although I have never tried it, you may be able to move the spacer between the bearings to one side, and drive the bearing out using a long drift, and tapping on the inner race, from side to side.


Unless you have a bearing installer, a socket slightly smaller than the bearing bore will work to reinstall them. (As long as you don't mind beating on one of your sockets).


You can make an alignment pin out of a long 5/8" bolt, and after installing one bearing, turn the wheel over and drop the pin thru the installed bearing. Then drop the spacer onto the pin, then the other bearing, and press or drive it into the bore. The Pin will keep the spacer square to the inner races, and keep it from moving around while you are installing the second bearing.


You may want to check the spacer before disassembly, although you may find the spacer to be be loose, if there is much wear on the old bearings.


Once the New Bearings are installed & seated, there should be some Drag on the spacer between the inner races. Use a Phillips Head Screwdriver to move it slightly from side to side. If the spacer is loose, and not touching the inner races, make sure the bearings are fully seated, and check it again. Otherwise, it will put the bearings in a bind when you tighten the axle nut.


IF THERE IS NO DRAG ON THE SPACER YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE CHECK THE INSTALLED HEIGHT BETWEEN THE INNER RACES AND TURN A NEW SPACER ON A LATHE.
 
#5 ·
Thanks I will have to see what tools I have forgotten I have in the bottom of the tool box, I have a Victory dealer in town says they can do it all for me, I may just do that.
 
#8 · (Edited)
It was time for new Tires on my Bushtec, took the wheels off, did the bearing spin test and found the right side a little rough. Ordered 4 new bearings from Bushtec and found this was a easy job to do. Using a long Drift Pin, move the internal collar over and knocked the bearing right out. Placed the old bearing on top of the new one and tapped the new one in place. 15 min on each wheel, done.
 
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