Time to change the wheel bearings
#11
05-07-2018 | 06:18 PM
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 36
From: WV
Like you, I think that replacing the wheel bearings is just cheap insurance.
I have the same tool as you do and I have to say that I'm glad you had good luck with yours. Mine came with a piece of all thread that was way out of spec. The threads were visibly uneven and so shallow in spots that I couldn't thread the nut they provided on. A friend at work gave me a new piece and welded a nut on the end.
I tried to clean the old one up with a die, but it stripped out the first time I used it.
I have the same tool as you do and I have to say that I'm glad you had good luck with yours. Mine came with a piece of all thread that was way out of spec. The threads were visibly uneven and so shallow in spots that I couldn't thread the nut they provided on. A friend at work gave me a new piece and welded a nut on the end.
I tried to clean the old one up with a die, but it stripped out the first time I used it.
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bradleys (05-07-2018)
#13
05-07-2018 | 07:22 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 26,751
Likes: 3,253
From: Vermont
Well, the tires on the Road King were worn out so I decided to pull them and have some new rubber mounted on them. While I was at it, I decided the wheel bearings needed to go as well. Since I am always looking for a reason to buy new tools I picked up a bearing removal tool from Amazon.
it worked great and you no longer have to be a linebacker to back up the damn bike!
it really was time, and an easy little project with the right tool...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SUX9MI..._GA87AbRQ8TQ4F
it worked great and you no longer have to be a linebacker to back up the damn bike!
it really was time, and an easy little project with the right tool...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SUX9MI..._GA87AbRQ8TQ4F
#14
05-10-2018 | 01:24 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 416
From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
I would not recommend trying to do maintenance on a sealed bearing, they just are not that expensive, and failure can leave you stranded... If you feel they need to be replaced it would be much better to purchase a new set and install them.
Personally, I have never tried to pull the side seal off a sealed bearing and would never really consider it.
But franky, I wouldn’t repack auto wheel bearings either. If it comes out, it is getting replaced.
New wheel bearings are fine and dandy, but if they are dry they are not particularly dependable just saying.
#15
05-10-2018 | 09:58 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,858
Likes: 572
From: bklyn,ny
That's my next tool purchase..... lost front wheel bearing last September at 30,000 miles. I figure i'll be changing bearings at least every other tire change.... and a thorough inspect at each tire change or anytime the wheels are off. I would love some repackable roller bearings.... I've packed many a front wheel bearing in my life..... These ball bearings just aren't as stout.
www.worldwidebearings.com
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1004ron (05-16-2018)
#16
05-16-2018 | 06:15 PM
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 36
From: WV
Thanks.
#17
05-16-2018 | 08:15 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 47
From: Louisville, KY
get yourself a NICE bearing for the tool https://www.amazon.com/Nice-Thrust-Bearing-Complement-Hardened/dp/B0034G64XE/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525738651&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=nice+bearing+603 and it’ll work better. Love the threads also.
I also have one of these bearing tools, and I'll be adding one of those thrust bearings to it, thanks.
The cheap "OEM" Chinese bearings on my 2008 Nightrain failed at 9.4K miles, and I've done two tire changes since then and the All ***** bearings that I installed at that time are still good.
I have a full set of higher grade bearings from an industrial bearing supplier and will install then at the first sign of the All ***** feeling rough.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ngs-trash.html
Last edited by 1004ron; 05-16-2018 at 08:39 PM.
#18
05-17-2018 | 04:53 AM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,858
Likes: 572
From: bklyn,ny
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Flinter (05-17-2018)
#19
05-17-2018 | 10:20 PM
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 832
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I have heard guys not using tq wrench wrecks them. First tire change I pull on breaker bar until I pooped myself.
I think about changing them perodically. They can leave you stranded. But I have also heard at times HD bearings have sucked, and wonder if my existing bearings are better, and just spin my wheels.
Not a huge fan of pit possee. Wasted money on the wrench they make for newer axles. Besides fitting poorly it is 3/8 drive and it is a 38mm nut with high tq. I wrote them, they told me they can't build them for everybody. BS.
I think about changing them perodically. They can leave you stranded. But I have also heard at times HD bearings have sucked, and wonder if my existing bearings are better, and just spin my wheels.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; 05-18-2018 at 08:32 AM.
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