play in rear tire?

[pianoexcellence]

I am a total newbie when it comes to these things...

My rear tire (04 XRL) moves a little (tiny tiny bit) side to side when i grab it with my hand, in a parked position. it makes a slight rattle noise. I don't notice anything while riding, but it worries me nonetheless.

I tightened my spokes, and checked the bolts on either side of the rod...

i do not think that it is the swingarm, because I can see the sprocket moving a fraction side to side in relation to the swingarm.

I'm hoping that it is something simple that I am missing out on. Any help would be greatly appreciated:worthy:

pianoexcellence

[GlobalWarmer]

Wheel bearings.

[Robb K]

Yep the wheel axle ball bearings wear out quickly,just enough to feel it you caught it early, try all balls co. good price ,comes in kit with seals, most motorcycyle parts suppiers.

[pianoexcellence]

Will I cause any more damage if I take it for another ride (I have one planned for tomorrow)

I imagine that I will have to replace the bearings regardless.

[Butta]

Will I cause any more damage if I take it for another ride (I have one planned for tomorrow)

I imagine that I will have to replace the bearings regardless.

You are right in that you shouldn't concern yourself with damaging the actual bearings anymore because, like you said, you are going to replace them anyway.....however, the bearings ride on the axle, which you will destroy with bad bearings, your rear disc will no longer be perfectly aligned causing excess wear on your pads/disc, your sprocket will not be true with your chain all the time so you can rapidly accelerate it's life as well as the chain......all in all, get them replaced. I wouldn't recommend riding on bad bearings....worst case, they sieze and your back tire locks up, hopefully not at top speed....

TT store has MSR bearing kits containing seals and spacers for around $15.....pretty cheap!!!