So I've only had the 2014 CVO Ultra Limit for a couple of months. The shop that did my lifters 2 weeks after I got it said the steering bearings should have been done by the shop where I bought it ( that's another story ) but I never really noticed or paid to much attention to how it handled. Now 2 months later I'm noticing how hard it is to steer especially at slow speed maneuvers. I had the bike up on the jack a couple days ago to wash and detail it and noticed that the forks actually need to be pushed left or right so they are tight or worn.
The shop that did the lifters quoted me 3-4 hours to change the bearings as opposed to the dealer that is around 8 hours if I remember correctly.
I've never did something like this myself but I'm contemplating it. I have the SM but I'm wondering if it's worth the effort on my part ( I'm sure it would take me a couple days and I'm sure I would run into some problems) if the shop will do it for $5-600.
Anyone who done this for the 1st time have any comments good or bad ??

 

There is nothing hard about it. If you're replacing the bearings the only special tools you need are race drivers and a press.

 

It’s not a hard job but there is a lot to it . There are probably Utube videos out there. Your front tire , fender , calipers and then forks have to me removed now handlebars and everything on top off the triple tree. Harley bearings are pressed onto the stem on most bikes so you need a press to remove and reinstall them. The question is are your bearings bad or just adjusted to tight ?

 

Plenty of opportunities to create an electrical issue.

 

I consider that a critical task as it can serioulsy affect handling and result in loss of control. Besides removing the forks etc, there is a specific procedure to set the preload on the bearings that needs to be performed correctly.

Since you didn't do the lifters, which is fairly easy overall, this task is more consequential for the rider and passenger. If you trust the shop, I say pay the fair price of 3-4 hours.

Paul

 

Have you first tried just lubricating the steering head? You didn't say how many miles were on the bike.

 

Looks pretty involved for sure. Basically the whole front end! I don't have a press either.

 

It does look like a large task. The reason I didn't do the lifters and a few other things at the time was because I had just got the bike. I was working 6 night shifts a week and simply didn't have the time nor energy. Night will suck the life out a person and more so at my age.
I think you may be right though about getting the shop to do it and pay the 3- 4 hours labor. It will take me a hell of a lot longer and I don't have the press. If my only option was the dealer at 8 hours labor at $150 and hour then I would definitely do it myself.

 

ive been watching your posts- pay the shop.

 

Did you press the stem out of the lower tree to remove the lower bearing?