How often "should" you change wheel bearings on a Softail?

I have a 2008 Fatboy with a little over 20,000 on the bearings. I have no reason to think they are bad but certainly would not want to have an issue with them
while I am out riding.

SUP

 

Check routinely when changing tires, change when needed.

 

For me, the cost of the bearings pales by comparison to the dangers associated with failure.
Whether doing the work myself or paying someone else - I am a big fan of the "while you're in there" line of thinking.
All that having been said, when I get tires, I get wheel bearings, maybe every other time.
While this may seem like overkill, the cost, in the overall spectrum of what this passion of ours costs, is fairly nominal.

 

I have an 08 ultra with 65,000 never changed the front and the rear at 55,000 / I never put the hose at the bearings , many miles in the rain . Just check them , I put mine up on the jack and spin them , if it spins free with no noise or a ratchet feel they are good .

 

I check them every tire change. I had a sealed one get 'notchy' just under 10k. If anything doesn't feel perfect they get swapped out.

The old tapered roller bearing system is infinately better, arguably more hassle, messier, but smarter.

I got all the tools, tires, bearings, everything, so I can blame the proper retard when my wheels fall off. I don't trust anyone......mostly.

 

For the small price and piece of mind, I change the wheel bearings everytime i change tyres.

 

I lost a front wheel bearing on a trip... on a highway in Virginia traveling about 70mph and it went. Fortunately the exit I got to was only 2 miles from a Harley dealer. They replaced the front wheel bearings and got us off and on our way. They went the extra mile, treated us well, and I did not feel ripped off....they sympathized with us being on a trip and did us well. I got home and ordered a wheel bearing removal/install tool and a set of All Balz bearings for the rear. I think I will need a tire this spring and plan to replace the rear bearings at that time. My plan is every other tire will be bearing change time. Call it what you will, but until you experience it yourself, ain't nothing like it!!! I'll spend the money to ensure my safety!
As a matter of fact, I changed the rear bearings/hubs on my 2011 Town & Country van last fall. Had one of the rear going out!!!

If you are worried, raise the bike up and spin the wheels. Or take the wheels off and eyeball. For the $40-50 cost of bearings (well there is the install price as well...) you probably **** away more than that every now and agin!!!!

 

I am following along the same line of thinking that sooner is better than wait for a problem. I have noticed a small amount of noise from the back. It could be the tire (just received a new rear tire from JP Cycles) or maybe
a bearing.

Where did you get your bearing removal / install kit? How much did it cost?


Thanks,

SUP

 

All you have to do is jack the wheel off the floor. Holding the wheel top and bottom give it a good strong push and pull. Any slight movement means the bearings are worn. You can obviously do the check when you want as many times as you like. No need to wait for a tyre change and no need to remove the wheel.

I have changed the bearings in the front wheel. If a dealer wants anything over $80 to do the job with cost of bearings on top then that will pay for a proper bearing removal and install tool. I would suggest you do it yourself as it is very easy with the proper tool.

 

These is no mileage limit to wheel bearings. The best way to check is visual inspection when the wheel is off and when the bike is on a jack.