Missing Rear Wheel Spacer?

[BikerMedic]

I took off the wheel to swap tires and looked at a parts diagram as I put it back together. I came to discover that I'm missing a rear wheel spacer, I think. It wasn't there when I took it apart. According to the diagram, I am, but it doesn't appear to be a problem. Please look at the pictures and tell me it will be a problem if I don't replace the spacer... Thanks.



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[Soloratov]

If according to the diagram you are...then replace it. ASAP. Without all the proper spacers, there is a lot of excess side pressure on the bearings. Trust me...the noises you hear as the bearings explode behind you is not something anyone should ever hear...

[J_Walker]

this wasn't me, it was one of the PO's.. but its what happens when that spacer is missing.

[gsJack]

Brake side looks complete but the sprocket side while also looking complete in the picture could be missing spacer 9 inside that can't be seen on the assembled wheel.  I think I see spacer 10 on the outside next to the swing arm and the grease seal rides on it and lt keeps the sprocket bolts away from the swing arm.  If spacer 9 is missing the left rear wheel bearing will be seriously over loaded.

http://www.shspowersports.com/fiche_image_popup.asp?fveh=2104&section=92834&year=1997&make=SUZUKI&category=Motorcycles&dc=3378&name=REAR+WHEEL

[BikerMedic]

I guess it's time to order some more parts! should I replace the bearings, too? Thanks for helping out!

[Soloratov]

This is what happened to mine when I found out spacer #9 was missing... 

[BikerMedic]

Yikes! I managed to find a spacer on ebay for a good price. thanks again!

[gsJack]

Unknown to me my #9 spacer was gone after I had taken the wheels in for a tire mount and balance and it was quite some time before the left rear wheel bearing locked up on me about 5-10 miles from home.  I got it on the center stand and managed to get it turning working it back and forth and put it down and rode it home very slowly. 

Of course I replaced rear wheel bearings and some time later my front bearings were worn and loose and I replaced them too.  All 4 replaced on my 02 GS and prior to that I had never replaced any wheel bearings on the 4 Hondas and 97 GS that I put over 300k total miles on without any wheel bearing problems.

So I'd say now if you've run without spacer #9 replace the wheel bearings, takes a while to get from initial damage to failure on bearings.  I replaced my rears with oem ones from dealer and later replaced the front ones with the Chinese All Balls bearings that have become quite popular, less than half the price of the OEM ones.

[ohgood]

I guess it's time to order some more parts! should I replace the bearings, too? Thanks for helping out!

YES. the wheel bearings and the cush drive bearing. you really don't want any of those to fail while moving. once you replace those bearings and the missing spacer, enjoy and have fun without worry.