replace steering head bearings and races?
#1
replace steering head bearings and races?
Hi all,
Like many of you, I am in the process of disassembling my front end to have parts sent out for powder coating. Service manual says that once the steering head is disassembled, you have to replace the bearings and races. I gave the delearship a call and each bearing is $25 but with only 5000 miles on my 08 Street Bob the dealer says to reuse the original bearings and races when reassembling (which surprised me). My buddy put a wide glide front end on his sportster and said you absolutely have to replace the bearings and races anytime you disassemble the steering head. Just wondering if any of you have been down this road and can offer some advice before I spend $50 on new parts that I might not need.
Thanks!
Like many of you, I am in the process of disassembling my front end to have parts sent out for powder coating. Service manual says that once the steering head is disassembled, you have to replace the bearings and races. I gave the delearship a call and each bearing is $25 but with only 5000 miles on my 08 Street Bob the dealer says to reuse the original bearings and races when reassembling (which surprised me). My buddy put a wide glide front end on his sportster and said you absolutely have to replace the bearings and races anytime you disassemble the steering head. Just wondering if any of you have been down this road and can offer some advice before I spend $50 on new parts that I might not need.
Thanks!
#3
#4
#5
#7
Trending Topics
#8
#9
I would be surprised if H-D uses Timken bearings on anything anymore ! They have gone on the cheap with bearings in recent years and typically use whatever chinese or asian piece that wins their bid process.
I would look on the race of the bearing. If it IS a Timken or Fafnir or some other quality brand, Id use it if it looks good. Otherwise, go to a bearing house (better than napa) and have it cross-referenced and replaced with a top-quality item.
I had some wobble problems with my Dyna that totally ended when I replaced the cheap stock chinese wheel bearings with Timken 205PP pieces.
I would look on the race of the bearing. If it IS a Timken or Fafnir or some other quality brand, Id use it if it looks good. Otherwise, go to a bearing house (better than napa) and have it cross-referenced and replaced with a top-quality item.
I had some wobble problems with my Dyna that totally ended when I replaced the cheap stock chinese wheel bearings with Timken 205PP pieces.
#10
Then I guess you are surprised, I didn't make the statement as a guess, I recently replaced mine.
I would be surprised if H-D uses Timken bearings on anything anymore ! They have gone on the cheap with bearings in recent years and typically use whatever chinese or asian piece that wins their bid process.
I would look on the race of the bearing. If it IS a Timken or Fafnir or some other quality brand, Id use it if it looks good. Otherwise, go to a bearing house (better than napa) and have it cross-referenced and replaced with a top-quality item.
I had some wobble problems with my Dyna that totally ended when I replaced the cheap stock chinese wheel bearings with Timken 205PP pieces.
I would look on the race of the bearing. If it IS a Timken or Fafnir or some other quality brand, Id use it if it looks good. Otherwise, go to a bearing house (better than napa) and have it cross-referenced and replaced with a top-quality item.
I had some wobble problems with my Dyna that totally ended when I replaced the cheap stock chinese wheel bearings with Timken 205PP pieces.