Wheel Bearings
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
I just swapped out the wheels on my 2012 FXDC and the rear wheel bearings were roached, esp. the right rear. I never used high pressure water etc.. I just rode the bike.. I decided to go with a bearing that has a wider track a 21mm vs. a 15mm stocker.. Rolls smooth as glass and is an upgraded American bearing vs. the cheapo stockers the MoCo put in.. do as you will.. but for me.. I don't play around when it comes to bearings.. esp wheel bearings.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 706
Likes: 30
From: Alaska
The local high school has one and they enjoy new projects for the kids to learn on.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Can't remember if it was in 07 or 08... they went with cheaper bearings. Put new ones in... the stock ones will leave you on the road.
As for changing bearings for change sake... sometimes you get **** stuff from the MoCo... and it deserves/needs to be changed out.
As for changing bearings for change sake... sometimes you get **** stuff from the MoCo... and it deserves/needs to be changed out.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 74
From: The 12th Rebel State
Exactly what AKFXD said.. I have a buddy who is a machinist instructor for a local college. He has access to some super nifty equipment. He turned mine on a lathe and set a nice clean face back on the 'new' surface of the spacer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Related thread from a few months back, including photos comparing different bearings.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...placement.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...placement.html
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 853
Likes: 19
From: Melbourne
I have had rear bearing fail on my 86 FXR. 100% my fault for not checking them out. Was lucky that they screeched like hell rather than plain old seized up.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
you all are over concerned with this stuff, a bearing is a bearing, they're all the same. they only fail prematurely when some fool damages them during install.
Last edited by LunaticFringe; Dec 26, 2015 at 01:01 AM.
Hmm thats funny, I've seen many times bearings fail because of improper lubrication/ maintenance. They're not all the same, some have plastic cages VS metal, some have junk seals that dont keep out dust, dirt, and water thus letting in foreign that can and WILL damage the bearing surface thus creating play in the bearing and leading to failure. If you dont think bearings are something to be mindful of, please do not let passengers ride on your bike.