I am going to take the rims off of my bike to have them powder coated. I have to take them to the powder coating place naked. So, my question is, how hard will it be for me to put everything back together? Will I need to replace the berrings? Has anyone else done this? Any advice will help.

 

The Honda answer: if you remove the bearings you should go back with new bearings.

My answer: if after cleaning and inspecting the bearings they are fine, then repack and reinstall. Main thing to look for is discoloration due to excess heat and pitting from dirt.

 

+1 chainstretcher

 

i would go ahead and replace the bearings. you do put stress on them when you pull them out. new bearing arent expensive.

 

+1...replace them....cheaper and less headache than having to pull the damn things off again....call it insurance

 

agreed.. if you dont have the proper tool to remove them, you are pretty much forced into using a hammer and a long screwdriver.. I would just replace them, even if I had the tool..

 

This makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...[sm=signs006.gif]....You will probably have to take the wheel to the dealer for tire removal anyway, should only be $10 or so more to have them press out the bearings and another $10 to have new ones pressed back in...

Plus you dont want to be hammering on a screwdriver on your newly powdercoated rims