rear axle bearing issue? Odd feeling from the rearend

I rode my '94 after while today and felt an odd wobble feeling from the rearend on sweeping turns. Bike just hit 70,000 miles.

Just did a bunch of maintenance before this ride: New tapered steering head bearings, new front wheel bearings, swapped the worn out tires with an older 50% tread left pr2 rear and a newish contimotion front , replaced fork oil, cleaned brake rotors and installed new EBC HH pads.

What I listed above is the recent stuff that I think could affect handling. At first I thought maybe i forgot to tighten the rear lug nuts. But that wasn't the the case. The rear wheel has a very small lateral play. So I am thinking it could be rear axle bearings. Anyone else had issues with the rear axle bearings on the 4th gen. Any other ideas what would cause the wobble?

I checked the rear on my 5th gen to see if that amount of play is normal; But on the 5th gen there is no perceivable play.

I have a spare complete swingarm assembly off my 5th gen part out. So I am also wondering if I can swap the 5th gen Hub on the 4th gen swingarm instead of replacing the bearings.

 

Just a shot in the dark, could you have reversed the rotation on the rear tire when you mounted it?

 

Rear tire is mounted in the right direction. But the front is a Continental and rear a Michelin. Don't know if that can cause the issue.

I just checked my hawk gt hub and that doesn't have any play at all.

 

i would say something is amiss, bearing torque, bad bearing, spindal worn....hmmm thats all i got right now

 

Unless you've replaced it already, your stock shock is overdue for replacement. :eek-new:

 

Shock is a Penske triple clicker. Rebuilt around 10k miles ago. Probably due for another refresh now.

I'll disassemble the spindle and take a look in a couple days. Wondering how hard it'll be to replace the bearings if they are the issue. Not looking forward to spending the $$ for tools necessary to replace the odd size bearings

 

Lots of things you did could affect handling feel, but perceptible play in the rear is not normal, so bearings are a prime suspect.
Are you sure the play is in the rear hub and not the swing arm? (not that I would expect those to go bad, but you should check all possible causes).

As far as replacement, there are three different bearings in the rear hub carrier assembly.
A possible option:
Years ago, I replaced the whole bearing hub in my 4th gen rather than getting the tools and making the attempt to replace just the bearings. The price differential at the time was not bad, probably less than what labor costs would've been if I gone to a shop with the hub and bearings in hand. Don't know if complete assemblies are still available or not though.

 

There is definitely a perceptible play in it. I rode the bike again today and it's more of a riding in deep sand feeling than a wobble from the back. I am convinced it's the bearings now.

I'll look into the replacing the whole hub like you said. I saw that all three bearings are available for around $65. But getting them installed may cost a bit.

 

Finally got time to tear into the rear hub. only took 4 months ha ha.



Sure enough the bearings are toast.. I have a good 5th gen hub from my parts bike. Wondering If I can fit the 5th gen hub on 4th gen swingarm.

 

I just did this repair on my 95. Getting the bearings out without scarring the hub was a pain, but it is possible with a good vise, a heavy hammer, and a punch. To replace the bearings, I used a piece of wood to start them, then the old bearings to seat them. Of course, I cleaned up the mating surfaces first, but I didn't have to use the press at work like I thought I was going to.

Let us know how you make/made out.