Engine Case Bearing Assembly Red?Blue?
Engine Case Bearing Assembly Red?Blue?
I want to replace the bearings because they took a hard hit when the motor seized. In my search I'm finding different 'sizes' referred to as RED or BLUE. My manuals don't explain this.
Can anyone explain this to me? How can I tell which one I need?
Can anyone explain this to me? How can I tell which one I need?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
Pinion shaft bearings are available in different sizes, it depends on the size the pinion bearing outer race has been reamed to, and also the size of the installed inner race on the pinion shaft.
It is possible that not only does the outer race need to be reamed, but also the inner race must be replaced on the pinion shaft, and then ground to a specific dimension.
It is not a matter of simply replacing a bearing on this old style machinery.
This is in the factory service manual.
Seriously, it is probably best to send the flywheel assembly and the crankcases to a qualified shop for this work.
It is possible that not only does the outer race need to be reamed, but also the inner race must be replaced on the pinion shaft, and then ground to a specific dimension.
It is not a matter of simply replacing a bearing on this old style machinery.
This is in the factory service manual.
Seriously, it is probably best to send the flywheel assembly and the crankcases to a qualified shop for this work.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 3, 2022 at 07:54 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,115
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From: Poolville
I agree with Dan, you need to fit the bearing to the race's and keep it at .001" max. It's really not a Novice job. However, if you know your inner and outer race dimensions as measured with very good set of quality micrometers then I would say go for it. Outside minus inside will determine the proper bearing if your races are not scored..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Sep 4, 2022 at 07:36 AM.
I found Eastern Motorcycle Parts List of bearings on their website with their own part numbers. Guess I will be heading to my friends machine shop to get some measurements taken so I order the right ones.
BTW: surfaces of the races and the entire inside of both cases are scratch/damage free. That's why I feel really blessed.
BTW: surfaces of the races and the entire inside of both cases are scratch/damage free. That's why I feel really blessed.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,421
Likes: 2,621
From: NC USA
I found Eastern Motorcycle Parts List of bearings on their website with their own part numbers. Guess I will be heading to my friends machine shop to get some measurements taken so I order the right ones.
BTW: surfaces of the races and the entire inside of both cases are scratch/damage free. That's why I feel really blessed.
BTW: surfaces of the races and the entire inside of both cases are scratch/damage free. That's why I feel really blessed.
Race needs to be measured in 3-4 places. They tend to measure the most wear across the 7/2 o'clock position (ob-round) but they aren't "bad for it" per-say.
Due to the sudden stop, I'd be more concerned about the rod being bent and/or the flywheels being scissored out of true than a main or pinion bearing problem. But it never hurts to check.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
The fella's in this thread have never been one to exaggerate what a person should do in a case as this.
Sure we have our BS but with the circumstance around the damage to engine no one here right now is telling ya wrong.
I myself have gambled in repairs and have lost more than I have won trying to shortcut it.
Least in the long run
Well that's enough of my 2 cents LOL
Good luck WP
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
These guys have covered anything I could add, doing a pinion race on the old flywheels isn't a job even for a average level mechanic. Takes 4 decimal place measuring tools 99% will not have much less the line lapping tool and sourcing the correct size bearings.
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Seems it would cost me more in tools than it would to have someone else do the work. Think I'll put the bottom end back together and take it to one of my local indy shops and have them rebuild the bottom.
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/911...e-lapping-tool
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/911...e-lapping-tool
