I bought new wheels and bearing kitsfor my 07 RKC. The Service manual says special tool # HD44060A is necessary to remove/replace front and rear wheel bearings...........is that tool REALLY necessary or can you tap them in the 'ol fashion way, with an appropriate size socket and hammer?

 

They are a pressed in sealed bearing (as you probably know by looking at them). I don't think you can get them out with a socket and hammer. You will probably need a blind hole puller because of the inner spacer. There isn't much room between the bearing and spaceer on my wheels.

 

If he bought new wheels and bearings, I don't think he needs to remove the old bearings from the old wheels. Compared to the cost of a specialty tool you may or may not need, take the new wheels and bearings to your dealer or local indy and have them installed. Can't be any more $$$ to do it that way than to buy the HD tool.

Maybe someone with more know-how than me can tell you how to properly install the new bearings with common hand tools.

 

[ul][*]I own the Jims tool, and I have used this following methods (pulling the bearing in the photo and seating the bearing the paragraph following) in a jam. You are on your own on this one if it is not an emergency. We all do things in an emergency.[*]Installing bearings; I use the Jims tool. I know a cylinder the size of the outer part of the bearing, and use Never-Seize for lubrication, you can drive them in.[*]Please be advised that I do not advocate the use of the two methods unless you are stranded and have no other option.[*]Make sure the wheel bearing axle sleeve is properly parallel to your bearing before final seating[/ul]
[IMG]local://upfiles/29413/94415D124DB24487BCEA192CB2ED5B1B.jpg[/IMG]

 

That looks like the way to go. I would invest in the tool, but then again I have two HD's in my garage right now, and I am always working on friends bikes, so I am 100% sure I would get some use out of it. Also, it would save me the trip to the dealer or one of the indies to have the old bearings removed.

 

Seaquester5 Bill, you live in Miami, FL. I am in Davie. Pop on by and I’ll do any bearing work necessary for you. No, I do not mean for $, for the pleasure of helping out another HDF.com member. Give me a ring on my dime 1-866-899-8962 almost anytime & set up a time. Now you do not have to spring for that $0.52 bearing puller. Save your cash and maybe rent a hooker or two (blue light special).

 

I just located the Jims Tool #1042 in the Dennis Kirk catalog for $205.00, anyone know of a better price anywhere? Thanx for the help. I ordered the wheels/bearings from Zanotti, I just e-mailed them to see if they will install before shipping, and how much they will charge. I know they get $12 to install IDS Bearing,at that price X 4 = $48 , I guess still won't be too bad a price versus $205 for a tool I won't likely use again any time soon...............although I really do love tools.And you know local dealer won't do it with parts bought elsewhere. ..............Howard, Thanx I PM'ed you .........YOU ARE THE BEST!

 

That's first class right there Howard. Way to go!

 

Neckball Please be advised that I needed a R&R of one set of bearings at Phil Petersons in N. Miami. I was in a time crunch and I was at the factory and dumb azz me forgot the bearing puller. It is only 3-4 miles north. I was too lazy to do the 44 mi round trip thing to home. I got a bill for $90.00 + and I provided the bearings. Just think I did get the grease though, (for an additional) 2.5% shop fee. I have a tax #.

 

Seaquester5 I have them in stock, $9.& some penny’s each. Don’t worry, with my markup, we can still get a few salamanders on Biscayne Bvd. & maybe have enough $ left over to get a beer each @ Blackies on 77th & the beach over the $ (0.52) you would have spent @ H. Depot. By the way, I do qualify under this thread HD Forum members are vulgar and not at the church gatherings protesting at dead Marines funerals.

I use all sizes in my C/F wheels so I buy them in bulk. I use the KLM bearings as they are one of the world’s best. Yes, there is a difference in the quality and price of bearings just like everything else .