The front wheel bearings (well, the
right side anyway) were "toast". The wheel
bearing tool kit maintained by John Oosterhuis makes removing and installing
them a breeze.
For more info on the tool kits, look up John at
www.st-riders.net under the Special
Tools and Toolkits forum.
FYI, ST-Riders.net is restricted to members, but all are welcome...just
check Welcome to ST-Riders for info on joining.
Thanks to Jeff Bertrand, STOC 025, and Jack
Stansbury, STOC 607, for their assistance.

The trouble was quite clear after we
removed the seal. |

As the right front bearing was
severely damaged, we attempted to cut it out out with a Dremel. |

We did manage to cut a big notch out
of it, but Jack had a unique method of getting purchase on and
driving out the race. |

Here are the parts from the front. |

All the removed parts. |

The rear bearings don't look bad...but
how could I tell? |

Don't forget the Moly 60 every time
you reinstall the rear wheel! |

This is what the ST1100 looks like
with both wheels off. |

Here you can see the distance collar
after I notched it. That should make bearing removal a bit
easier in case the toolkit isn't available next time.
Also, it appears to have some tool
marks on it...suggesting those front bearings had been previously
replaced. |
|

While at it, I replaced the damaged
(decal hides it somewhat) front fender. |
|
|