Wheel Bearings
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Also absolutely untrue. Not that installation screwups can't also be a major cause of failure.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
so are you putting spindle bearings on your motorcycle wheels? stop comparing apples & oranges.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
He's comparing bearings to bearings... Which according to you are all the same. If you want to run dry bearings with plastic cages go right ahead, I'd much rather pay a couple dollars more for a quality Timken bearing for the wheels that are supporting my 600+lb bike that's keeping my *** off the pavement
Last edited by monster715; Dec 26, 2015 at 11:12 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Speaking of bearings, I have a question. I've noticed recently, my '15 fxdl will "groan" (the only way I can describe it) when I lean over to the left in a turn, only when above 50 or so mph. Doesn't do it if turning right, doesn't do it under 50. I was thinking the only thing it could be is bearings - probably the left fronts?
Since it's under warrantee, I'll get the dealer to replace them. I expect they won't use a set of higher quality aftermarkets if I brought them, right?
Since it's under warrantee, I'll get the dealer to replace them. I expect they won't use a set of higher quality aftermarkets if I brought them, right?
Last edited by Mchad; Dec 27, 2015 at 07:22 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
While two bearings may look about the same, they can vary vastly in materials, heat treat, design and manufacturing tolerances, lubrication, and clearances when installed in the intended application. For instance, clearances inside a bearing designed for a tighter press-fit can be different than one designed for a looser press-fit, or no press-fit
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
Speaks of bearings, I have a question. I've noticed recently, my '15 fxdl will "groan" (the only way I can describe it) when I lean over to the left in a turn, only when above 50 or so mph. Doesn't do it if turning right, doesn't do it under 50. I was thinking the only thing it could be is bearings - probably the left fronts?
Since it's under warrantee, I'll get the dealer to replace them. I expect they won't use a set of higher quality aftermarkets if I brought them, right?
Since it's under warrantee, I'll get the dealer to replace them. I expect they won't use a set of higher quality aftermarkets if I brought them, right?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
I have 46K on my 07 FXD last time I had it up on the jack this summer I checked for play in them and they were ok.... Over the winter I'm doing some PM on it and was wondering if I should just replace them now... Next summer planning some long trips and I really don't want to deal with a failure... How long are most going before requiring replacement?
The replacement set have been in there for 54,000 miles and I don't plan on replacing them until they hit 100,000 miles too.
It's the '08 and later with the 15 mm wide, single row ball bearings that need frequent checking / replacement.
