How to Replace Suzuki GSX-R1000 Rear Wheel Bearings

Rear wheel shimmy doesn’t feel right at low speeds, and can be downright terrifying at high speeds. If the bearings on your Suzuki motorcycle are worn, replace them as soon as possible. 

Follow the steps below and watch the video above to learn how to replace Suzuki GSX-R1000 rear wheel bearings.

Tools and Parts – Suzuki GSXR-1000 Wheel Bearing Replacement

• Ratchet and extensions
• 36mm socket
• 10mm, 12mm wrenches
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammers
• Torque wrench
• Bearing driver set

• Suzuki bearing remover set
• Bearing – (x2)
• Bearing 32X65X17 – (x1)
• Bearing oil seal 37X52X8 – (x1)
• Bearing oil seal 39X65X7 – (x1)
• High performance grease

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Rear Wheel Bearing Removal and Replacement

Step 1. Loosen the chain adjusters on either side of the swingarms by backing off the 12mm locknuts, then loosening the 10mm adjustment bolts.

Step 2. Remove the 36mm axle bolt, then push the wheel forward in the swingarm adjustment channels so there’s enough slack to remove the chain from the rear sprocket.

Step 3. Pull the axle out from the swingarms, then slide the brake caliper assembly out of the swingarm and the brake rotor and remove the rear wheel. 

PRO TIP: Lay the rear wheel on some wood while you work on it to avoid damaging the rotor or wheel rim.

Step 4. Remove the metal spacer from either side of the wheel, and pull the sprocket hub assembly from the rear wheel.

Step 5. Working from the rotor side of the wheel, remove the old bearing oil seal from the wheel hub with a flathead screwdriver.

NOTE: If you’re using the Suzuki bearing remover set, complete Step 6A. If you’re using the alternative method, complete Step 6B.

Step 6A. Remove the two bearings from the wheel hub with the 28mm bearing extractor from the Suzuki bearing remover set. To do this, insert the extractor down so it’s within the bearing, and insert the extractor’s center pin into the extractor. Tighten the pin to expand the extractor so it grips the bearing, then position the bearing remover tool over the wheel hub and thread the extractor into it. Next, wind the extractor up to pull out the bearing. Remove the wheel hub spacer from within the wheel, then repeat the bearing removal process for the second bearing in the hub. 

Step 6B. Raise the wheel off the workbench, and put a metal rod down into the hub against the bearing. Use a hammer to strike the rod and push the bearing out of the wheel hub, being careful not to damage the lining of the hub. 

Step 7. Working from the sprocket side of the hub assembly, remove the old bearing oil seal from the sprocket hub assembly with a flathead screwdriver.

NOTE: If you’re using the Suzuki bearing remover set, complete Step 8A. If you’re using the alternative method, complete Step 8B.

Step 8A. Remove the bearing from the sprocket hub assembly with the 30mm bearing extractor from the Suzuki bearing remover set. Leave the retaining collar inside the bearing so the extractor tool can get a better grip on the collar and bearing together. Repeat the process from Step 6A to pull out the bearing. 

Step 8B. Raise the sprocket hub assembly off the workbench using a metal rod and hammer. Repeat the process from Step 6B to push out the bearing.

Step 9. Pack the new sprocket hub assembly bearing with high performance grease, then place it on the hub assembly with its sealed side facing inward toward the hub.

Step 10. Carefully tap the bearing into the sprocket hub assembly so it’s partially in and level. Next, use a bearing driver wide enough to sit on the outer bearing race, then tap the bearing into the sprocket hub assembly until it bottoms out and is firmly seated.

Step 11. Pack the inside of a new bearing oil seal with grease, and gently tap it into the sprocket hub assembly until it’s flush with the face of the sprocket hub.

Step 12. Working from the rotor side of the wheel, pack a new wheel bearing with high performance grease and place it on the wheel hub with its sealed side facing outward toward the rotor.

Step 13. Carefully tap the wheel bearing into the wheel hub so it’s partially in and level. Next, use a bearing driver wide enough to sit on the outer bearing race, then tap the bearing into the wheel hub until it bottoms out and is firmly seated.

Step 14. Turn the wheel over and working from the other side, reinstall the wheel hub spacer. 

NOTE: It’s important the spacer remains centered when you install the second wheel bearing. One method is to raise the wheel up and use the wheel axle to keep the space in place while you install the second bearing.

Step 15. Pack the new wheel bearing with high performance grease, and place it on the wheel hub with its sealed side facing outward.

Step 16. Carefully tap the wheel bearing into the wheel hub so it’s partially in and level. Next, use a bearing driver wide enough to sit on the outer bearing race, and tap the bearing into the wheel hub until it bottoms out and is firmly seated.

Step 17. Turn the wheel over once more, and working from the rotor side, lightly grease the inside edge of a new bearing oil seal (you don’t need to pack this seal with grease, just grease where the axle will pass through it) and gently tap the seal into the wheel hub until it is flush with the face of the hub.

Step 18. Reinstall the sprocket hub assembly onto the rear wheel. 

NOTE: If at any time you removed the five hub shock absorbers from the wheel hub, don’t forget to replace them (with their small circular protrusions pointing outward toward the sprocket) before reinstalling the sprocket hub assembly.

Step 19. Reinstall the metal spacers back into either side of the wheel.

Step 20. Position the rear wheel between the swingarms, then slide the brake caliper assembly back over the rotor and into the swingarm, and slide the axle back though the swingarms and wheel.

Step 21. Put the chain back over the rear sprocket, then reinstall the chain adjuster and washer on the left side, and reinstall the axle nut.

Step 22. Adjust the chain to the correct tension, then torque the axle nut to 72.5 foot-pounds and you’re done.

When a rear wheel bearing goes out, a front wheel bearing usually isn’t far behind. Watch the video below to see how to change front wheel bearings on a Suzuki GSX-R1000.