I throw new ones in every tire change. I've been buying sets of them from Drag. I have the time and tools and it's only around a 2 beer operation with the wheels off already.
Over the winter I had to replace the rear tire at 17000 miles. While the wheel was off I checked the bearings and they seamed good but change all bearings anyways. I checked the front bearings and the abs bearing was going bad, so I changed the fronts while the wheel was off.
Changing the bearings isn稚 hard to do, so I値l do them at every tire change
I went through 2 sets of abs bearings on the front and 1 abs on the rear. I could have had them replaced under warenty again but opted to get Pit Pose tools and installed some All *****. Mine were easily detected by holding a finger on the axle or frame near it and spinning the wheel.
Howling and vibration while leaning into a curve is also a symptom of cupping on your tires.
I went through 2 sets of abs bearings on the front and 1 abs on the rear. I could have had them replaced under warenty again but opted to get Pit Pose tools and installed some All *****. Mine were easily detected by holding a finger on the axle or frame near it and spinning the wheel.
I think the Pit Posse is a good tool. If you haven't already, grease the rubbing surfaces on the washers, nuts and screw threads, turns a lot easier. Both my sportsters have the oddball 3/4" inner race, metric outer, hard to find and I didn't want to use Harley's, so I tried AllBalls, too. Seem to be fine bearings, well built, and packed fuller with Chevron synthetic than any other brand I've seen for Harley. The double seals can't hurt, either.
The Pit Posse (probably any brand) is easier to use when you have something to hold the wheel, too, though I've used it with the wheel on the dining room floor and it wasn't difficult. Grandkids usually need a little help getting the tool in place.
Look for rust colored streaks radiating out from the bearing onto the polished or chromed portion of the wheel hub. I've had that the last two times the bearings were going bad. I can hear the bearings whirring and feel a slight vibration in the hand grips also. I didn't notice any difference when cornering and the only time I've had a howling sound was from the tire tread on worn/cupped tires.
Bearings are cheaper than having to replace bearings when on a trip. The hassle of a tow truck , then hotels while the dealer "fits" your bike in. My rear wheel bearings failed at 9999 miles and I managed to limp into the HD dealer in Lacy Washington State, to replace them under warranty. It took the dealer 3 days , yip THREE FFFffing days of hotel costs before I got my bike back . Now every time I change tires I fit SKF bearings. Its one less thing to worry about.
Changing the bearings isn稚 hard to do, so I値l do them at every tire change
Probably a stupid question, but every time you pull out the old out bearing, and insert the new bearing into the wheel, doesn't it take just a smidgen of the "cup" that holds the bearing in place?
Eventually enough material could be removed that the bearing may not be held in the wheel?? Just a question, because some people change tires like others change oil. So theoretically, a bearing could be changed 12 times in roughly 100K miles. Curious minds inquire.
Probably a stupid question, but every time you pull out the old out bearing, and insert the new bearing into the wheel, doesn't it take just a smidgen of the "cup" that holds the bearing in place?
Eventually enough material could be removed that the bearing may not be held in the wheel?? Just a question, because some people change tires like others change oil. So theoretically, a bearing could be changed 12 times in roughly 100K miles. Curious minds inquire.
I brushed a bit of anti-seize compound on the bore and on the outside of the bearing.
Bearings are cheaper than having to replace bearings when on a trip. The hassle of a tow truck , then hotels while the dealer "fits" your bike in. My rear wheel bearings failed at 9999 miles and I managed to limp into the HD dealer in Lacy Washington State, to replace them under warranty. It took the dealer 3 days , yip THREE FFFffing days of hotel costs before I got my bike back . Now every time I change tires I fit SKF bearings. Its one less thing to worry about.
SKF doesn't make an ABS bearing to my knowledge. Is your ride non ABS or do you install a Harley or All-***** ABS bearing?
I think the Pit Posse is a good tool. If you haven't already, grease the rubbing surfaces on the washers, nuts and screw threads, turns a lot easier. Both my sportsters have the oddball 3/4" inner race, metric outer, hard to find and I didn't want to use Harley's, so I tried AllBalls, too. Seem to be fine bearings, well built, and packed fuller with Chevron synthetic than any other brand I've seen for Harley. The double seals can't hurt, either.
The Pit Posse (probably any brand) is easier to use when you have something to hold the wheel, too, though I've used it with the wheel on the dining room floor and it wasn't difficult. Grandkids usually need a little help getting the tool in place.
I slathered some anti-seize on the threads and thrust surfaces. The action was nice and smooth with a good "feel" of how the bearing was going in.
05-11-2018 | 09:41 PM
