Sealed bearing conversation?
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: SWFL
Sealed bearing conversation?
I thought I read somewhere that there is a way to convert the wheel bearings on my FXR to sealed. Anyone know if that’s possible, and if so, what’s involved?
By “what’s involved” I really mean “please tell me exactly how to do it” lol
Thanks!
By “what’s involved” I really mean “please tell me exactly how to do it” lol
Thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 933
From: Long Island
If you've got the torrington bearings imo I would stay with them.You can't get a better bearing in there.Those will last ,all you need to do is repack them every 10-12 k. Ball bearings don't even come close in strength .
Why are you thinking of changing them? P
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: SWFL
Well, really only for “ease” of maintenance really.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Wayne County, PA
Those tapered bearings will last a very long time. In 8 years with the superglide i had 1 bearing go bad. Front left side. If anyging pull the seal and inspect, maybe regrease them. The new sealed ones are junk.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
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From: Haslet Texas
When a tapered bearing goes out you change the bearing.
When a sealed bearing goes out it could take the hub out with it...
Personally I wouldn't trade ease of maintenance for the opportunity to buy a new wheel everytime a wheel bearing goes out.
That said your bike your choice.
When a sealed bearing goes out it could take the hub out with it...
Personally I wouldn't trade ease of maintenance for the opportunity to buy a new wheel everytime a wheel bearing goes out.
That said your bike your choice.
FWIW, I think you've got that one backwards.
I don't change my own tires, but I do pull the wheels myself. Once they're off, pop off the dust covers, pop out the bearings (they'll just fall out) give them a good clean with a rag (I used to use solvent, but convinced myself that was a mistake), give them a quick inspect, repack with grease (a process I find curiously satisfying), and you're done. It's maybe a ten minute job at most, and if you do it with every tire change, the bearings will pretty much last forever.
I don't change my own tires, but I do pull the wheels myself. Once they're off, pop off the dust covers, pop out the bearings (they'll just fall out) give them a good clean with a rag (I used to use solvent, but convinced myself that was a mistake), give them a quick inspect, repack with grease (a process I find curiously satisfying), and you're done. It's maybe a ten minute job at most, and if you do it with every tire change, the bearings will pretty much last forever.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
The tapered roller bearings are sealed, by the exterior seal that fits outboard of them. They will deteriorate over time, just as the seals in a sealed ball-race does, but generally last a lot longer. I can't think of any benefit of swapping over, if such a thing is possible. The rollers in a tapered race are smaller in diameter than the ***** in a suitable ball-race, which is one reason IMHO why the MoCo went from 3/4" to 1" ID when doing the swap. Another reason is reduced costs in assembly time, plus lowering of the skill level of the operative who fits them on production.
Your current wheel bearings are just fine!
Your current wheel bearings are just fine!