Is there a rule of thumb as to when or if sealed wheel bearings should be replaced? I ride a 2010 Road King Classic and have 48,000 miles on the original bearings.

 

No, like anything how the bike was used and cared for is what matter,, not the mileage,, Right?
That said, I bought a used 09 Dyna with 15K on it put 2K more on before winter storage.
This spring I replaced the rear tire,, I replaced the rear bearing at the same time.
Now "I" know what's going on with my bearings.
I'm just a common working man,, I ain't rich, but ain't broke.
I've enough experience to understand "An ounce of prevention,,,,"

 

Good rules of thumb here. When I replace tires, I replace bearings with quality bearings. Cheap insurance.

 

I change them every time I change the tires and that's around 14,000 miles..for 25$ it's cheap not taking a risk. ..remember every bump u hit them bearing are taking a hit along with the rim so it's not a bad Idea

 

I have about 60,000 on my 04 with the original ones in there. At the price they want for these sealed units I'm gonna get the most out of them. Now the two piece tapered bearings usually got tossed every other year unless inspection proved different.


I'd like to know where you get sealed bearings for $25.00. Around here I think the quote is $50.00+ per unit.
Used to have an electric motor repair where I got bearings for all my HD needs and at reasonable costs, but after industry was run out of the area, the supporting business' closed or left.
Damn "city planers".

 

 

change the bearings with every tire change ! if these junk bearings can make it between tires wearing out.

 

Just read up on wheel bearings...that will help you decide on what to do

MY 07 or maybe the 08's was the last yr MoCo put in goooood bearings in the wheels..

I only have 52K on my bearings and they are still in good shape!!... but some of the newer bikes (09's?? at least the 10's and newer) have had to replace their bearings after only 10K or a little more..?????

I have my Indy check them at every tire change and I'll replace them when needed or at the 100k service...

 

After 07 the bearings don't seem to last long. On my FXST I have the wider 3/4" bearings on the rear and the narrower 25mm bearing on the front. The front were gone by 30,000 kms (18k miles). I also changed out the rear but they were still perfect.

To the OP if you have that many I'd look at replacing on your next tire change. I'm going to change mine every 2 front tires.

 

I have my 2003 EGC in for a 10k service and they noticed the front and rear bearings were leaking, so I am having them replaced.

I bought the bike used with 40k already on it so no telling when or if they were ever replaced before, but some of the signs are that this bike has not had regular maintenance (other than fluid changes) after 380 miles that was listed on the maint record in the owners manual

I know not everyone has a reliable indy to take a look at these things (during a 5/10k service or during fluid or tire changes) but if you do that is the way to go.