[OddBird]

While my forks are removed for an oil change and a re-seal and I’m rebuilding the carbs, my plan was to replace the front wheel bearings, as things are looking pretty crusty in there….but I am having a hell of a time finding a bearing part number to order.
Does anyone have an actual bearing number I can use to source bearings locally, or am I left with having to order from Ducati in Italy and deal with the two to four week wait?

Any help appreciated, perhaps even a US source that might have them on the shelf…

It’s a 1998 FE (I’m assuming that the bearings are the same as the 1997)

 

[belter]

6204? 20x47x14.

 

[Neil66]

6204? 20x47x14.

⬆ This

 

[OddBird]

Thank you!

 

[wdietz186]

A good industrial supply house can supply the bearings, 6204 is a fairly common number. Or you could try All Balls

 

[OddBird]

6204? 20x47x14.

Thank you Belter. Is a serviceable bearing (6204 RS - open on one side) vs. completely sealed on both side (6204 2RS) just a matter of personal preference, or is it smarter to get a bearing that you can re-lubricate? Not sure that I should trust that the bearing was lubed properly. If I am going to lube it, any recommendation on a specific grease?

 

[belter]

they need to be sealed. i use nsk ddu bearings, which is a better seal. double contact seal maybe?

 

[OddBird]

they need to be sealed. i use nsk ddu bearings, which is a better seal. double contact seal maybe?

Thank you

 

[OddBird]

they need to be sealed. i use nsk ddu bearings, which is a better seal. double contact seal maybe?

Thanks Belter. As I overthink it all, I seem to have opened Pandora’s Box.. there are different iterations of these bearings- the "RS" has a rubber seal on one side for servicing of the bearing, "2RS" is completely sealed and pre-lubricated. And the DDU-RSK that I found is also a “C3” is for high speed, but it has an increased internal clearance, which I would think is a bad idea for a motorcycle wheel. While I might ride the motorcycle at "high Speeds", the wheel bearing is actually turning at quite a "low speed".... so I ordered the standard 6204-RS and will pop one side off when I get them to see if they are lubricated or not and lube it myself when they get here.

I am also accustomed to having MIL Spec number for correct grease for a particular application, and then cross-reference from there. I don't think Ducati provides a MIL Spec for grease for these bearings, so I've got more research to do.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

 

[duc96cr]

C3 is the standard clearance for bearings, and what most bearing companies would sell you if you didn’t ask for a specific clearance. We are talking .oooo “ differences , so it isn’t like you will know the difference.

 

[duc96cr]

The seals easily pop off if you buy sealed both sides , then want to lube them at a later date.

 

[OddBird]

The seals easily pop off if you buy sealed both sides , then want to lube them at a later date.

Thanks for this info- bearings are on the way and forks are apart.

 

[belter]

i always use c3 bearings for wheel bearings, and i never remove seals and grease. it's not designed as a removeable seal. that's why it's called a sealed bearing.

 

[OddBird]

i always use c3 bearings for wheel bearings, and i never remove seals and grease. it's not designed as a removeable seal. that's why it's called a sealed bearing.

Thanks for taking the time to post that- I’ve still got to do the rear wheel, so more bearings to order.

 

[duc96cr]

I buy sealed bearings wherever it makes sense, dirty wet locations like wheels, swing arm, etc are best sealed , but if you’ve ever popped the seal off an old bearing, there usually isn’t much grease left. I like to use boat trailer grease which should give better moisture protection when i grease bikes. That still doesn’t mean you should use a pressure washer on your hubs or swing arm pivot though.