How to Inspect and Replace Wheel Bearings on a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR
Shop parts for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.Why wheel bearings matter on the 2018 Alta Redshift MXR
The 2018 Alta Redshift MXR is a motocross-focused electric ride built for jumps, hard landings, and aggressive cornering. Wheel bearings are the hidden components that let the 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheel (typical MX sizing) rotate smoothly while keeping the hub aligned with suspension and drivetrain loads. Good bearings reduce friction for efficient rotation, provide stable handling through corners and landings, and protect drivetrain performance by keeping the rear hub concentric under torque.
Common symptoms of worn or failing bearings
- Side-to-side wheel play when you grasp the wheel at the rim and rock it laterally.
- Grinding, roughness, or clicking when you spin a wheel by hand.
- Resistance or drag the wheel doesn't free-spin smoothly on a stand.
- Uneven tire wear or vague, imprecise steering feel during hard cornering or landings.
- Knocking noises under load, especially from the rear during throttle torque or on hard landings.
Inspection what to check before deciding to replace
Perform inspections with the bike securely on a stand so both wheels spin free. Follow these practical checks:
- Grasp the wheel at opposite sides near the rim and try to move it laterally. Any perceptible play indicates looseness in bearings or worn hub/spacers.
- Spin the wheel by hand and listen/feel for grinding, clicking, or rough spots. Compare front and rear the rear should not be noticeably rougher.
- Inspect wheel seals for tears, missing lips, or excessive dirt packing. Seals that are cut or deformed let water and grit into bearings.
- Look for rust, blackened grease, or metal shavings on the hub face and around the seal seat signs of contamination.
- After a muddy ride or water crossing, check for contamination and test rotation again; pressure washing directed at seals is a common cause of early failure.
Tools you'll typically need
- Wheel stand and axle wrench set
- Bearing driver kit or correctly sized sockets
- Rubber mallet or soft-faced hammer
- Punch or drift for driving out old bearings (if no driver available)
- Clean rags, solvent, and a small brush
- Torque wrench for reassembly
Step-by-step replacement overview
The following gives a clear workflow for the 2018 Alta Redshift MXR hubs keep the work area clean and organized so spacers and seals go back in the correct order.
- Remove the wheel from the bike. Loosen axle pinch bolts, slide axle and remove wheel while supporting the brake rotor and chain or belt area as applicable.
- Remove axle spacers and any speed sensors or rotor retainers so the hub face is clear.
- Remove wheel seals gently with a thin flat driver or seal puller. Note the orientation of the seals for reinstallation.
- Drive out the old bearings from the hub bore. Support the hub on a solid surface and press/drift the bearing out toward the non-seal side avoid contacting the hub lip directly to prevent bore damage.
- Clean the hub bore thoroughly. Remove old grease, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the bore for pitting, cracks, or scoring; any severe damage means further hub work or replacement may be required.
- Prepare new sealed bearings. They are factory packed with grease and must be installed dry do not try to lubricate the bearing internals.
- Press the new bearings evenly into the hub using a bearing driver or a socket that contacts only the outer race. Apply even pressure so the bearing goes squarely into the bore pounding on the inner race risks bearing damage.
- Reinstall new seals and a light film of grease on axle shafts, spacer faces, and the sealing lips this external grease prevents corrosion and helps the seals keep contaminants out.
- Reassemble spacers, axle, and torque to factory-style tightness appropriate for the MXR. Spin the wheel to check for smooth rotation and verify there's no lateral play.
Sealed bearing guidance what not to do
Most Redshift MXR wheel bearings are sealed cartridge units. They arrive pre-greased from the factory and are not serviceable. If a bearing feels rough, loose, or contaminated during inspection, replace it. Do not attempt to add oil, inject grease into the bearing, or disassemble the sealed cartridge those steps won't restore a damaged bearing and can accelerate failure.
Greasing surrounding components
Although the bearings themselves are sealed, apply a light coat of grease to specific external areas during service:
- Axle shaft where it contacts seals and spacers.
- Faces of axle spacers so they slide and seat without fretting.
- Sealing lips of new seals for initial assembly a little grease helps the seal run-in and keeps water out.
Front vs rear differing loads to consider
The front bearings primarily handle steering and braking loads but see fewer torque loads than the rear. The rear bearings take extra stress from drivetrain torque and hard landings, so they typically wear faster on a motocross platform like the Redshift MXR. Whenever you service one wheel, inspect both a worn rear bearing left in service can quickly overload other components.
Preventive maintenance to extend bearing life
- Avoid directing a pressure washer at seals rinse gently instead and use a brush to remove caked mud.
- After wet or muddy rides clean the hub area and recheck wheel rotation before storage.
- Check wheel play every few rides and re-torque axle fasteners after initial rides following service.
- Replace damaged seals during bearing service to keep new bearings protected.
Final checks before you ride
Once bearings are installed and the wheel is reassembled, confirm smooth, quiet rotation and zero lateral play. Reinstall the wheel, torque axle hardware, and take a short test ride at low speed to verify handling feels sharp and there are no unusual noises. Regular inspection and gentle cleaning habits will keep the 2018 Alta Redshift MXR rolling true through seasons of aggressive motocross use.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Wheel Bearings for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.
Shop Wheel Spacers for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.
Shop Bearings for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.
Shop Bearing Tools for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.
Shop Wheels for a 2018 Alta Redshift MXR Dirt Bike.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.
