Steering bearing recommendations

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Sep 26, 2016 | 11:44 AM

Panheader

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 141

Likes: 19

From: Evo-ville, Iowa

Steering bearing recommendations

I am about ready to tear down my 93 Heritage softail's front end and change the steering neck bearings, does anybody have experience doing so and are there any recommendations for the new ones? Are the stock ones good or is something like the aftermarket timken tapered ones better?

Thanks

Sep 26, 2016 | 03:50 PM

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

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From: Upstate New York

Pretty sure the stock bearings were Timken back in the day. Don't know what the MoCo uses today, or where Timken manufactures their bearings.

Sep 26, 2016 | 08:27 PM

WP50

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

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From: W. Texas

Timkens are what myself and a good many I know prefer.

Now what OEMs are today I'm not sure either

WP

Sep 26, 2016 | 08:41 PM

Tee&Vee

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

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From: Boston, MA

I just bought a set of timken bearings for my 1995 flstc. I'm gonna say that I like the 'feel' of them if that makes any sense. They seem solid.

Sep 26, 2016 | 10:31 PM

Panheader

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 141

Likes: 19

From: Evo-ville, Iowa

Thanks, I think I'll order a set of the tapered timkens and try them.

Sep 28, 2016 | 10:42 AM

Uncle G.

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Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Upstate New York

Just out of curiosity, how many miles on your original (I assume) bearings? My first set of steering head bearings started "notching" at 80,000 miles. The replacement set is still good at 121,000 miles. Since they've been in, I grease the bearings (through he grease fitting) at every 5K service.

Sep 29, 2016 | 10:20 AM

Panheader

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 141

Likes: 19

From: Evo-ville, Iowa

Its really low, the bike has 21k original miles...its possible they aren't worn out - maybe I just need to tighten the neck bolt - I haven't torn it down yet, but I suspect they are in bad shape as the previous owner rode it around dry and then let it sit in the elements. It had that loose feel to it where it rattled a little, and the slight weave when cornering/decelerating and the tires are balanced well/trued well.