Side to side wobble on front wheel.

[Pantani]

I just recently picked up a '99 YZ125 and as I was going through it before my first real ride I noticed that on the front wheel there is some side to side play. Meaning, if you hold the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions and push and pull alternately with each hand there is some play there.

I haven't really gotten my hands too dirty on this bike yet but the very little that I did to it to see if it would help was to loosen the axle clamp nuts and tighten the axle nut to see if it was possibly loose (to try to draw the forks together to get a more stable hold on the wheel) but this had no effect on it. I'd like to try and get some input on what has happened here, any input would be appreciated. Let me know if you need more information too, I won't be able to get any during the day but I can when I get back from work later this afternoon.

Thanks.


p.s. I am picking up a Clymer manual in another week but I'd like to get this figured out so I can ride this weekend.

[ossagp1]

If you if the nut is spun down tight on the axle and the clamps tightened down and you get a "click" type situation when it moves, it is wheel bearings. Comes largely from pressure washings that drive soapy water and abrasive dirt past the seal and into the bearing. The axle could have grooves worn into it as well, but it has to be pretty extreme to cause noticeable movement.

[TUK101]

Wheel bearing time. I have found my best deal on wheel bearings on Ebay. Well other than driving to the bearing shop in town and matching up the old set.

[Pantani]

Thanks for the quick replies and the idea of where to shop. Looks like I'll have to run a set of them down.

[Pantani]

Originally Posted by ossagp1

If you if the nut is spun down tight on the axle and the clamps tightened down and you get a "click" type situation when it moves, it is wheel bearings. Comes largely from pressure washings that drive soapy water and abrasive dirt past the seal and into the bearing. The axle could have grooves worn into it as well, but it has to be pretty extreme to cause noticeable movement.

I'll check the axle too when I get home as I haven't had it completely out yet myself.

[TUK101]

Remember that when you go to put new wheel bearings in, set them in the freezer for a 1/2 hour to an hour before you put them in and they should drop right in with very little force.

[Pantani]

Originally Posted by TUK101

Remember that when you go to put new wheel bearings in, set them in the freezer for a 1/2 hour to an hour before you put them in and they should drop right in with very little force.

Thanks for the tip. I've ordered the bearings and hopefully they'll ship out today and be here soon.

[psycho393]

Originally Posted by TUK101

Remember that when you go to put new wheel bearings in, set them in the freezer for a 1/2 hour to an hour before you put them in and they should drop right in with very little force.

And set the wheel in the sun, or heat it with a hair dryer.

[koloheboi]

Originally Posted by Pantani

Thanks for the tip. I've ordered the bearings and hopefully they'll ship out today and be here soon.

How much did the bearings run you? Where did you order from? Just wondering cause I've got the exact same problem with the exact same bike. Thanks!!!

[Pantani]

Originally Posted by koloheboi

How much did the bearings run you? Where did you order from? Just wondering cause I've got the exact same problem with the exact same bike. Thanks!!!

I found a dealer on Ebay who I bought mine from. I just searched for "1999 yamaha yz125 wheel bearings" or something along those lines. They ran $20 shipped for the front set. I don't have the exact name at the moment but that was about the same price I saw for most of them.

[yz85zak]

Originally Posted by Pantani

I found a dealer on Ebay who I bought mine from. I just searched for "1999 yamaha yz125 wheel bearings" or something along those lines. They ran $20 shipped for the front set. I don't have the exact name at the moment but that was about the same price I saw for most of them.

Sometimes bearings are cheap, And sometimes they are REALLY expensive!