How to Inspect and Replace Wheel Bearings on a 2018 Husqvarna TX300 Dirt Bike

How to Inspect and Replace Wheel Bearings on a 2018 Husqvarna TX300

Why wheel bearings matter on the 2018 Husqvarna TX300

The 2018 Husqvarna TX300 is a trail/enduro-oriented twostroke with a 21inch front and an 18inch rear wheel setup designed for long rides, water crossings, and technical trails. Wheel bearings let the wheel rotate smoothly while supporting side loads and drivetrain torque. When bearings are in good shape you get predictable handling, minimal resistance in the wheel, and efficient power transfer. Worn bearings translate to sidetoside play, rough spinning, vague steering inputs, and accelerated tire or hub wear.

Common symptoms of failing bearings

• Sidetoside wheel play when the bike is on a stand
• Grinding, roughness, or click/knock noises while the wheel spins
• Resistance or dragging when rotating the wheel by hand
• Uneven tire wear or a vague feeling through corners
• Visible contamination rust, caked mud, or leaking seal grease

Inspection front and rear step by step

Do inspections on a clean, stable stand so both wheels can spin and be rocked. Check both wheels at the same time; the rear often sees higher loads from drive torque and hard landings.

• Lift the bike so the wheel is off the ground and spins freely.
• Grasp the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and push/pull to check for lateral play. Any perceptible movement at the rim indicates bearing or spacer wear.
• Spin the wheel by hand and listen/feel for roughness, grinding, clicking, or drag. A healthy sealed bearing spins freely with a quiet, smooth feel.
• Remove the wheel (see next section) and inspect the seal lips around the hub for tears, missing material, or grease contamination. Check the hub bore for rust, pitting, or embedded debris.
• Look at axle spacers and the axle for signs of corrosion or scoring that might let water bypass seals.

Riding in heavy mud, frequent pressure washing directed at seals, and repeated water crossings accelerate bearing wear. If you find contamination or roughness, plan to replace the bearing rather than trying to service the sealed cartridge.

Tools & workspace you'll need

• Motorcycle stand or lift
• Socket set and wrenches for axle removal
• Circlip pliers (if applicable), bearing driver set or appropriately sized sockets
• Soft mallet or drift, punch for backing out bearings
• Shop rags, waxed paper or clean grease, and brake cleaner
• Torque wrench for reassembly
• Optional press for clean bearing installs

Wheel removal and disassembly

1. Loosen axle nut and remove brake caliper(s) as needed; support caliper so hoses aren't stressed.
2. Pull the axle and slide out spacers carefully, noting their orientation and any shims.
3. Remove the wheel from the forks or swingarm. Keep parts organized in the order removed.
4. Remove wheel seals and circlips (if present) to access the bearings. Inspect seals replace damaged seals during service.

Removing old bearings and preparing the hub

Drive bearings out from the side opposite the removal point using a bearing driver or a socket that contacts only the inner race. Knock on the inner race only to avoid damaging the hub. Work slowly and evenly until the bearing pops free. Clean the hub bore thoroughly and inspect it for scoring, pitting, or a collapsed lip.

Installing new sealed bearings

• Confirm you ordered the correct TX300-specific bearings for 2018 hub sizes.
• Seat new bearings by pressing on the outer race only. Use a bearing driver or a socket that matches the outer race diameter so pressure goes through the outer ring. Apply even force to avoid cocking the bearing.
• Press or tap the bearings squarely into the hub until they bottom out. Work slowly and keep the bearing aligned; uneven installation can crack the hub or ruin the new bearing.
• Reinstall seals, circlips, spacers, and the axle in the original order. Lightly coat axle shafts, spacer faces, and the sealing lips of new seals with a thin film of grease to help prevent corrosion and keep contaminants away from seal edges do not grease the bearing internals.
• Reinstall the wheel, torque axle hardware to spec, and refit calipers. Spin the wheel and check for smooth rotation and absence of play before riding.

Sealed bearing guidance what to know

The TX300 uses sealed cartridge bearings prepacked with grease. They are not serviceable; you should not attempt to lubricate, oil, or flush the internal components. If a bearing feels rough, noisy, or contaminated during inspection, replacement is the reliable solution. Trying to open or add grease shortens bearing life and risks contamination.

Front vs rear considerations

Front bearings handle steering, braking forces, and smaller landing impacts; rear bearings take drive torque, chain/shaft loads, and often heavier landing and cornering forces. Because the rear sees higher loads, it can wear sooner but always inspect both ends at the same time when one side shows signs of failure.

Preventive maintenance to extend bearing life

• Avoid aiming a pressure washer directly at hub seals — use low pressure and keep distance.
• After muddy or water rides, rinse hubs gently and dry, then check seals and axle condition.
• Replace torn or deformed wheel seals during bearing service to protect new bearings.
• Check for lateral play periodically and spin wheels to feel for roughness after heavy rides.
• Keep axle and spacer surfaces clean and lightly greased to limit corrosion that breaches seals.

Final checks before riding

• Confirm wheel spins smoothly without binding and that there is no lateral play.
• Torque axle and pinch bolts to correct values and doublecheck caliper alignment.
• Ride gently at first and recheck for heat, noise, or movement after a short test ride.

Routine inspection and prompt replacement of worn bearings will keep your 2018 Husqvarna TX300 feeling precise and reliable on long trail days, muddy creek crossings, and technical sections where wheel stability matters most.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Wheel Bearings for a 2018 Husqvarna TX300 Dirt Bike.

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Shop Bearing Tools for a 2018 Husqvarna TX300 Dirt Bike.

Shop Wheels for a 2018 Husqvarna TX300 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.