Was getting loose handling on my '98 Ultra trike. Was going on 2 hr. road trip with the wife up to Paris, Tx....70-75 mph.

25 miles from destination a low growl eminated from the front end. I knew that sound...wheel bearing. Turned around , did 50mph back home.

Went to my buddy Jack the machinist in Jefferson to do the deal...a couple pics are not in order.

Tire off
Pop the seals out

And get a pint of rusty water out of the hub. And that ain't all..

An absolutely destroyed bearing.

And cut off 3/16\" discs...


So how do we get the races out? Rent a puller...nah, what fun would that be?

I know! Jack can turn down some round stock till it fits 3/4 of the way down in the race!


Weld disc inside of race and knock out from back side with drift.

Race out.

Clean things up, install bearings and seals, bolt up, dial indicator shows perfect endplay first time.!

Back on the road again!

 

Cool pics!

 

Made everything a little more fun, Misfit.

 

Very cool pics!

 

I know how ya'll like the pictures. Always nice to do something with a friend, too.
Jack is gold, and gives me the run of his shop whenever I want to piddle with something.

I originally thought I had a steering neck bearing problem. Was pretty loose on the road....tracks really nice now. And got so much help from the forums, FBB, it was time I gave a little back.

 

Good stuff!

 

Wow, haven't seen a bearing that bad in a long time..How many miles between clean and repack?

 

IDK. 98. Brought home in March with 41k reading, a little over 42k now. I suspect these were the original bearings. PO was with Banshees MC local chapter.

Think he took good care of the drivetrain, no leaks anywhere and runs strong...but didn't do much else besides change fluids. About to look at plugs, suspect they've been in quite a while now.

 

Actually that's very common on purchasing a used bike.. The Timken bearings when serviced properly will outlast the bike.. Those common serviceable items need to be gone through when purchased because people say a lot of things to make a sale.. Not sure about the setup on the rear axle but you may want to check them as well..Hows the primary chain and tensioner look?

By the way your pretty lucky that front didn't seize...

 

Rear end is dry but not really servicable on a Champion kit. Not much info on this as it is an early model and solid axle. Next step is rear wheel bearings for sure.. Chain and tensioner are in surprisingly good condition with proper play.