How to Inspect and Replace Wheel Bearings on a 2020 Sherco 300SER

Shop parts for a 2020 Sherco 300SER Dirt Bike.

Why wheel bearings matter on the 2020 Sherco 300SER

Wheel bearings allow the front and rear wheels of your 2020 Sherco 300SER to spin freely while keeping the hub centered on the axle. Proper bearings ensure smooth rotation, precise steering feedback, consistent handling, and efficient power transfer through the rear hub. On a twostroke enduro machine like the 300SER, which sees deep mud, water crossings, long trail miles and hard landings, bearings take extra abuse and are a common wear item that affects ride stability and drivetrain efficiency.

Common symptoms of worn or failing bearings

  • Sidetoside wheel play when the wheel is grasped at opposite sides
  • Grinding, roughness or resistance when spinning the wheel by hand
  • Clicking, knocking or intermittent noises while the wheel rotates
  • Drag that makes the wheel slow or hesitate when spun
  • Uneven tire wear or vague handling, especially under braking or cornering

Tools & materials you'll likely need

  • Bike stand to lift front or rear wheel
  • Axle sockets and ratchet
  • Bearing driver kit or assorted sockets that match bearing OD
  • Punch or drift and a hammer (steel or brass)
  • Circlip pliers (if applicable), seal puller
  • Clean rags, solvent, and degreaser
  • New sealed cartridge bearings and replacement wheel seals
  • Light grease for axle, spacers & sealing lips

Inspection procedure front and rear

Perform inspections on both wheels at the same time. The rear wheel on the 300SER typically sees higher loads from chain torque, launches and landings, so pay close attention there.

  1. Mount the bike securely on a stand so the wheel you're inspecting is off the ground and free to spin.
  2. Grasp the wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and attempt to move it laterally. Any perceptible sidetoside play indicates worn bearings or loose spacers.
  3. Spin the wheel by hand and listen/feel for roughness, clicking, or drag. A good bearing spins smoothly and quietly.
  4. Visually inspect the wheel seals around the hub. Look for torn seals, missing rubber lips, grease weeping, rust, or mud packed against seals.
  5. If accessible, remove the axle and spin the hub alone. This isolates tire influence and helps expose bearing noise.

Signs that require replacement rather than cleaning

  • Persistent roughness or clicking when the hub spins
  • Excessive lateral play after tightening axle and spacers
  • Rust or visible pitting on bearing races
  • Contaminated grease with dirt or water intrusion

Wheel bearing replacement overview for the 2020 Sherco 300SER

The 300SER uses sealed cartridge wheel bearings that are installed into the hub bore. These are not serviceable internally and should be replaced as a unit if damaged or contaminated.

  1. Remove the wheel from the bike:
    • Loosen axle fasteners, slide out axle, remove brake caliper or chain and sprocket components as needed for rear wheel clearance.
  2. Remove seals and spacers:
    • Carefully pry out outer wheel seals using a thin seal puller to avoid scoring the hub.
    • Note spacer positions so reassembly returns them to the same sides.
  3. Drive out old bearings:
    • Use a bearing driver or a socket that contacts only the outer race. Drive bearings out from the opposite side, applying even pressure and keeping the tool square to the hub.
    • A punch can be used carefully but avoid hitting the inner race or hub bore edges.
  4. Clean and inspect the hub bore:
    • Remove all grease and dirt from the hub bore and check for scoring, corrosion, or looseness. Light corrosion can be cleaned; deep damage may require hub replacement.
  5. Install new bearings:
    • Press or drive the new sealed bearings in by applying force only to the outer race. Use a proper driver that matches the bearing OD to avoid stressing the seals.
    • Install evenly until the bearing seats fully and squarely against the shoulder in the hub.
  6. Reinstall seals, spacers & axle:
    • Fit new wheel seals by tapping them gently and squarely into place. Apply a light coat of grease to the axle, spacer faces and the sealing lips of seals to help prevent corrosion and keep water away from the seal interface.
    • Reassemble spacers in the correct order and torque axle fasteners to proper tightness while ensuring the wheel spins freely without lateral play.

Sealed bearing guidance

Wheel bearings on the 2020 Sherco 300SER are sealed cartridge units prepacked with grease. They are not designed to be opened, oiled, or relubricated. If a sealed bearing feels rough, loose or contaminated, replace the entire bearing rather than attempting to add grease or oil to the internal components.

Front vs rear considerations

The rear wheel typically carries higher loads from drive torque and landings, so rear bearings often wear sooner. The front bearings take steering and braking loads but usually see less torque. Because both wheels share exposure to mud and water on enduro rides, check both sides during service and replace any bearing that shows compromise.

Preventive maintenance to extend bearing life

  • Avoid spraying highpressure washers directly at wheel seals; aim away from hubs.
  • After muddy rides or water crossings, remove packed mud from hubs and let seals dry before storage.
  • Inspect wheel play every few rides, especially after long enduro days or hard landings.
  • Replace worn wheel seals during bearing service to maintain protection against contamination.

Final notes

Replacing wheel bearings on a 2020 Sherco 300SER is a straightforward job with the right tools and a careful approach to driving bearings squarely into the hub. Regular inspection and gentle cleaning after wet, muddy or abusive rides will protect bearings and preserve the bike's handling and drivetrain efficiency.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Wheel Bearings for a 2020 Sherco 300SER Dirt Bike.

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Shop Bearing Tools for a 2020 Sherco 300SER Dirt Bike.

Shop Wheels for a 2020 Sherco 300SER 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.