Why Replace Cam Bearings
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 533
Likes: 43
From: Fresno, TX
Why Replace Cam Bearings
I am replacing the cams in my 2016 heritage to S&S 583 and was wonder why that they recommend replacing the cam bearings. I have not heard of any late model bearing failures. I can understand replacing them if the engine has high mileage because of wear. But what I have read they recommend to replace them what ever mileage you have. Can someone explain to me why they need to be replaced?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,944
Likes: 7,037
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
The OEM bearings don't offer enough carrying capacity for a cam shaft. The "bean counters" saw $1 saved by using a bearing that is substandard. Multiply that dollar by hundreds of thousands of motorcycles, and you see a real savings. Now, to the owners that really ride their bikes a lot, this bearing can cause issues.
Most of the bikes sold, become "garage Queens" with very little use. These owners don't even know/care about the cam bearing/wheel bearing/cam chain followers that other riders are aware of.
Most of the bikes sold, become "garage Queens" with very little use. These owners don't even know/care about the cam bearing/wheel bearing/cam chain followers that other riders are aware of.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 718
Likes: 152
From: Ozarks
The cost of the bearings is very minimal. It's the tool to install them is what cost the most. If you can borrow or rent one then I would definitely change the bearings out. My humble opinion of course.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 713
Likes: 131
From: Fl
Mine was low mile when I changed cams and I left them in. I don't recall seeing anyone post problems about the newer 1" bearing going bad. I put a lot of hard miles on it and the cam bearings are still fine. The crank is a different story..
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
I am replacing the cams in my 2016 heritage to S&S 583 and was wonder why that they recommend replacing the cam bearings. I have not heard of any late model bearing failures. I can understand replacing them if the engine has high mileage because of wear. But what I have read they recommend to replace them what ever mileage you have. Can someone explain to me why they need to be replaced?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 55
From: Londonderry, NH
I am replacing the cams in my 2016 heritage to S&S 583 and was wonder why that they recommend replacing the cam bearings. I have not heard of any late model bearing failures. I can understand replacing them if the engine has high mileage because of wear. But what I have read they recommend to replace them what ever mileage you have. Can someone explain to me why they need to be replaced?
There have been many problems in the past with the reduced roller version, although newer riders may not be aware.
The stock bearings don't hold up well with performance camshafts, and in fact there were many failures with the stock cams.
It is a false economy to not replace the bearings with the full compliment style bearing when upgrading camshafts. That's why S&S, Andrews, and probably most aftermarket cam makers strongly recommend replacing the bearings.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,323
Likes: 56,885
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Is it safe to say, once the bearings are changed (assuming higher quality bearings were installed...Timkin, other?) that they don't again need to be changed upon reinstallation of existing or even newer cams?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Yes, with a couple of exceptions; high mileage and/or other motor damage that could result in debris traveling in the oil in which case, bigger issues to deal with.