FZ1 rear wheel bearings

[FZ1obp]

Checked rear wheel bearings - they're shot; that will be the third set in 35,000 miles and I've been pretty careful when fitting them (freeze new bearings and hot air gun on wheel etc). Think it's the pot holes and general bumps that catches the needle roller as don't have these probs even on the KTMs off road and they hit a lot of things!

Any ideas?
Many thanks :'(

[Smurfbud]

Needle rollers !!! in a rear wheel bearing ....... or are you referring to the swing arm bearings?

[FZ1obp]

Yup largish needle roller with sleeve - think the wear might be due to the fact have had tire change and then 2-3 punctures requiring more use of the tire changer.

[PaulSmith]

What would a tyre change have to do with bearing wear unless your tyre place employed gorillas... Sorry, forget I asked.

[Smurfbud]

Apologies to the Op - after taking my rear wheek off for a tyre change and having a look see I indeed stand corrected - yep a needle roller bearing on the cush drive side - this might indicate knacked cush drive rubbers or misalignment of the wheel, ie not running true.