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Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 6:46 pm
by ahlenius1
OK i took the leap today and removed the alternator assembly from the engine there was a little oil in the main housing is this normal(just a bit) it was easily removed with a rag OK i paint stripped the cover but there is a bearing inside i think i should remove it. A) How?
B)I don't want to damage it
C) can i get another one if i do?
Once again Thanks for the help Regards Anthony..

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:03 pm
by Rick Pope
If you're replacing one bearing, replace both of them. Standard bearings, 6201 and 6203. To remove the outer, just warm up the cover with something so it's just uncomfortable to bare hands, and slap the cover down firmly on a piece of wood. The bearing SHOULD fall out. If not, a small puller could be used, or fill the void behind the bearing with grease and find a dowel that just fits the hole, tap the dowel in and it will "pump" the bearing out.

Definately replace the seal, also a standard piece. If you don't, the oil will combine with the dust from the brushes and short out you windings. $$$$$$$$

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:09 pm
by ahlenius1
Ok where is the inner bearing located and the seal. Are those #s for the bearings Honda#s that i can buy at the local dealer or say a bearing dealer thanks Rick

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:48 pm
by Don
The oil seal is located just behind the alternator half of the clutch - Remove the nut and washer and pull off the clutch half . . . . you'll see the seal

The inner bearing is inside the inner half of the clutch cover, behind a retainer which you remove with 3 screws

The bearings are standard as Rick mentioned and you can pick them up at any bearing supply place . . . . probably even from NAPA. You can buy them on e-Bay, but likely you'll be getting Chinese made bearings - I would rather pay a little more and get a bearing made in the USA

Keep the bearings and the brushes in good shape and you'll have few alternator problems. If you ride it a lot, it's probably a good idea to replace the brushes every 10K or so and the bearings every 20K . . . . just for peace of mind

Don

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:24 pm
by ahlenius1
Thanks Don I'll get at it... So should i just take the parts to the Bearing Shop and they will match them including the seal ? im ok at taking things apart its the putting back together that is the problem live and learn anyway to deep into the project now,no turning back!! thanks

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:37 pm
by Don
You can take in the parts (especially the seal) but they can get you the correct bearings from just the part numbers. 6201-2RS-8-12x32x10 for the outer (the 2RS means it is sealed both sides) and 6203-2RSNR-17x40x12 for the inner. The '17X40X12' are the bearing dimensions

Don

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 10:29 pm
by ahlenius1
Got it Thanks I'll keep you advised and thank you for all the great info....im going to polish that cover enough to make Nils Jealous!!

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 11:00 pm
by NobleHops
ahlenius1 wrote:Got it Thanks I'll keep you advised and thank you for all the great info....im going to polish that cover enough to make Nils Jealous!!
Can't be done! :)

I'm all for your bike. Wish I could help you build it.

N.

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 6:44 am
by daves79x
If your alternator is a true '79 one, don't bother polishing the cover - paint it. It is magnesium and won't polish worth a darn. Nils' is an '80 and they are aluminum. Go to NAPA and get a Dupli-Color rattle can of T-178 Silver and it will match just fine.

Dave

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 11:22 am
by Don
Or . . . . while you have the bearing out of it, drop it by your local powdercoating guy and have him powdercoat with chrome powder for $30 or $40

You not only cannot polish a magnesium '79 cover, chrome shops can't chrome it either, so unless you want it painted you can either powder it . . . . or replace it with an '80/'82 cover which you CAN either polish or chrome plate

Don

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:25 pm
by ahlenius1
Must be an 80...man is it shiny!!
alt_cover.jpg

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:46 pm
by NobleHops
Send me that photo! I'll resize it and insert it into your post. (EDIT: DONE)

Nice work!

N.

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:49 pm
by EMS
You can polish the magnesium cover. It just will not stay polished. It will look great after you are done and then turn grey from oxidation within a little more than a week.

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:37 pm
by ahlenius1
Are you trying to make me cry? You should see my blisters, The Clutch cover is next..I,ll let you know if it tarnishes..if it does is it possible to clear Coat?

Re: Removing bearing from alternator cover

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:39 pm
by ahlenius1
Oh ya Thanks for resizing the photo Nils Regards Anthony