Check your wheel bearings!
#11
Seems like a matter of trust...do you believe the service manager that said the wheel bearing was "almost seized" at 6500 miles, and that they would cover it if it was over $100, but your price is $90? I would go somewhere else for your next service...better yet get a manual and take care of most items yourself.
#13
make sure you don't over tighten your belt. I bought my sporty used and when I got it the belt was way too tight. I corrected it but not long after I started hearing a clicking noise and had to replace the bearings. (fun if you don't have a puller but there is a way)
I am not really certain that is what caused it but it couldn't have helped.
I am not really certain that is what caused it but it couldn't have helped.
#14
A couple years ago, on the OL's '04, I went to remove the rear wheel to have a new tire put on the wheel. First rear wheel tire change on that bike. I had to beat the axle out and mentioned this to the service writer. He said that the bikes are assembled/shipped without anti-sieze on the axles. Also, when you have to beat the axle out, it's a good idea to replace the bearings. Makes sense. I had the bearings swapped out and put anti-sieze on the new axle I bought. No pboblem since, but it was a disappointment. The 15 seconds and 15 cents worth of anti-sieze on the axle at production cost me over a hundred bucks. Crap like this is why people put Harley stickers up-side--down on their tool box. I know it's a business and they're here to make money, but F' the Motor Company!
#16
This happened to me last weekend on my '08 Dyna between Mesquite and Moapa, NV. Red Rock Harley of Vegas told me they have never seen this happen before. The only thing salvageable was the rear sprocket. Aluminum was welded to steel. The only indicator I had was some wobble while cruising down the road at 85.
#18
#19
#20
Thinking the same thing, pressure washer. Timkin bearings should be good for 80-100K miles unless you force water in them. Also, an 04 with 6500 miles = like 1500 miles per year. Has the bike been in storage? I also wonder if it's a case of the axle seized to the bearing, that's pretty common as the factory doesn't put any grease or anti seize on the axle.
I, personally, never pressure wash my bike (or wash it at all, for that matter) but some service departments get a hard on from washing it, so I let them. When I get closer to the end of the warranty, I won't let them wash it anymore.