Replacing front wheel bearings ???
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Replacing front wheel bearings ???
96 RoadKing 55k miles. I have a scalloped front tire and found play in the wheel and I can hear some loundness from the front when i get upto 50mph or higher so I am attempting to replace the bearings. Everything came apart easily. I am wondering first if I really need to replace the races and if so how do I get them out. I wiped everything down and everything looks normal. I didn't realize until just now doing some reading that shims would be involved as when as dial indicators. I think the they were atleast regreased if not replaced about 10k miles ago when I had other work done.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 234
Likes: 15
From: Southern California
Using the correct torque spec is critical with the axle nut. On my last bike (FXSTC) I misread the manual, and used the torque spec listed for and FXSTS which was only 10 ft lbs more than the FXSTC, and I could definitely tell that something was wrong. I could hear the bearings when riding the bike. When I re-torqued it using the correct torque number it was fine. That's one nut that you don't want to "just tighten" without a torque wrench.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,079
Likes: 2,151
From: Ohio
Weld a bead on the bearing side of the race, let it cool and the bearings will fall out, bad thing is a arbor press or small press is the best way to put the races back in.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
With new bearings always replace the races...
To do it right, after installing new bearings and races, you need to check bearing play while axle is torqued to specs. There is a specific amount of play that should (and should not) be set in the bearings. You need to use shims to get the correct amount of play.
There is info posted here, on the web, in your manual, (get one if you don't have) and on YouTube on how to do it properly. A bearing puller/driver can be had on flea bay for about $25 bucks. A gauge and magnetic base can be had at harbor freight for about $20 bucks.
Sorry I would give more detail but am about 1000 miles from home and posting from my phone right now. Take the time to do it right and not worry about it while going down the road at 70 mph 500 miles from home. YD
To do it right, after installing new bearings and races, you need to check bearing play while axle is torqued to specs. There is a specific amount of play that should (and should not) be set in the bearings. You need to use shims to get the correct amount of play.
There is info posted here, on the web, in your manual, (get one if you don't have) and on YouTube on how to do it properly. A bearing puller/driver can be had on flea bay for about $25 bucks. A gauge and magnetic base can be had at harbor freight for about $20 bucks.
Sorry I would give more detail but am about 1000 miles from home and posting from my phone right now. Take the time to do it right and not worry about it while going down the road at 70 mph 500 miles from home. YD
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Can you just replace your bearings without changing the races? YES
Just make sure there is no discoloration or scratches on the races.
Will the purists tell you it's a bad idea? YES
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. IMO
Just make sure there is no discoloration or scratches on the races.
Will the purists tell you it's a bad idea? YES
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. IMO