replace steering head bearings and races?
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 58
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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!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Millsboro Delaware
When I PC 'd my front end on my SB I cleaned and regreased the bearings. If they are not worn or damaged there is no reason to replace them. If they have too much play in the needle bearings, or if the races are bad then definitely replace them if not I see no reason to replace them.....
Novice
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo,N.Y.
Also don't forget to re-pack them when you install after you get your frame back. Don't be shy with the grease work it in to the bearings real good.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Sure are a lot of buddies out there giving bad advice. Of course you can reuse them if there is no damage or excessive wear.
Not sure what brand NAPA uses, but HD neck bearings are Timken BTW and when you buy them you get both bearing and race.
Not sure what brand NAPA uses, but HD neck bearings are Timken BTW and when you buy them you get both bearing and race.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 86
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
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.