@TreyG posted:Is there a reliable way to check the bearing condition? I read a how to article on the interweb last night and it suggested that in most cases the bearings themselves will be fine, as they were very well engineered. It said to grab the axle and see if it will wiggle and click, indicating bad bearings. Also spinning the wheel should make a smooth, whirring sound when good, or a crunchy, rattling when bad.
You guys have a way to check the bearings besides these suggestions?
Other than what you mentioned above, not really. If the axle spins without any movement or noise they're good to go. If you disassemble then look at the bearings for any wear/scoring.
And yeah, the Bentley is the manual to have. I've always found Clymer's assumes you know a fair bit already and is quite often a little short on explanation. The Idiot book is great for de-mystifying things and making you more comfortable with attempting procedures but (I think) assumes you have the appropriate Bentley beside you as well.