How can you tell if wheel bearings need replacing?

[FirebladeRuss]

I've not got any rumbling or grinding sounds, but there is a very small amount of play in the front wheel. Feels fine when riding, but I noticed this evening I can feel it if I physically grab the wheel and pull it about.

Cheers
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[Marmalade]

For what they cost you'd be best changing them if there is some play to be felt.

Is really nasty to ride once they start breaking up
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[.....]

I lift the wheels off the ground and try and move them from side to side. Any play and it's time for new bearings.

[FirebladeRuss]

Sorry for a dumb question, but how do I get the front wheel off the ground

I've got hydraulic jacks and stuff, just not sure on the methodology.

I consider myself pretty competent with a spanner. How easy is it to replace them?
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[bacon]

When they get really bad you can here them squealing as you turn the wheel.

What bike is it? The obvious way is to use a front paddock stand.

Failing that, do you have a centre stand? Put it on the centre stand, push the rear down and get a buddie to whack a piece of wood under the sump, or put some axle stands under the footpegs (or fork legs) to hold the front in the air

edit: or stick a piece of wood on your jack and lift the sump that way

[FirebladeRuss]

It's a Suzuki marauder 125 mate.
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[bacon]

[Pete.]

To check the bearings get hold of the top and bottom of the tyre and rock the wheel on the spindle. Any loose movement or play - change the bearings.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[temeluchus]

Also, if one of the bearings give up before the other it can feel like you have a warped disc.
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[FirebladeRuss]

Cool

Thanks guys.
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[FirebladeRuss]

Right, enlisted the assistance of a mate of mine who's had bikes for years.

He's going to give me a hand with changing them one evening next week.

He's said that all the wheel bearings are pretty much the same in terms of quality, but just to make sure I get sealed ones.

Are the ones below sealed type?

https://www.bitzforbikes.co.uk/Wheel_Bearing_%28front_left_hand%29_I.D_15mm_x_O.D_42mm_x_W_13mm-ref-7577-8676-277.html

Thanks
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[Pete.]

The one in the picture is.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[weasley]

The link is down for me at the moment, but using the dimensions in the url, you could try getting bearings from a bearing supplier, rather than a bike-specific shop. Not sure how much those are, but here are numerous bearings that will fit, included sealed/shielded ones. I bought bearings like this when I did both wheels and the head bearings on my KDX (ie, find out the dimensions then go to a bearing supplier).
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[bacon]

https://www.bikebearingshop.co.uk/

That site may be of use, identifies what wheel bearings your bike uses, then just buy some online

[neil.]

Wemoto also supply decent Kyoto sealed wheel bearings. Did my YBR's front set recently.

[FirebladeRuss]

Thanks for the help guys
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