main engine bearings
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
Yes. Starting with the 2003 models, Harley changed from the bullet-proof twin tapered Timkens to a big INA bearing, for the same reasons and with the same results as when they went to the INA bearing for the camshaft. Cheaper, easier and faster to assemble, and to H with whether it's appropriate for the purpose. Built engines started grenading right away, and within a few years stock engines with higher mileage started failing. Both of those are not warranty situations so it's win-win........ for Harley.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Yes i was warned by a veteran rider to be aware that at 60k miles or above the main engine bearing would become due for maintenance. At that point you send your bike to harley and let them rebuild it at the factory and replace worn bearing with timken's. Now was he right or can I have the thing replaced on it's own and save a few thousand $ what should be done and how much should that cost?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
Yes, your motor could explode at any second.
I suggest you keep your bike safely in the garage and only ride it once a year around the block or to the nearest coffee house.
I have 15,000 miles on my bike and have gone through 3 motors already.
I suggest you keep your bike safely in the garage and only ride it once a year around the block or to the nearest coffee house.
I have 15,000 miles on my bike and have gone through 3 motors already.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
And for gods sake,dont use syn. oil because of bearing skate!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
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From: way down upon the Suwannee River
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 886
Likes: 3
From: NC Mountains
Timken makes tapered roller bearings...cones and cups, INA does not make that style bearing but they make about any other style. Regardless, there is no good way to change from a cylindrical roller or ball bearing to "Timken" bearings. I know, I know, Timken now owns Torrington, Fafnir, National seals, and other outfits but "Timken" bearings are pretty much cones and cups. And INA makes quality products...many of them right here in the USA.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
Yeah, it's impossible to make the change from Timken to INA or INA to Timken. All those shops that have been doing it since 2003 have been ripping off their customers and not doing any work at all. In fact Harley must have never made the change themselves because you can't substitute the INA for two tapered Timkens. So the current Twin Cams must still have the two tapered Timkens........ except they don't.
In fact, Harley must have never changed the Torrington full complement inner cam bearing on Evos to the INA back in '92, because you can't change the style of bearing in an engine! And all those failures of the INA bearing never happened! It's an urban myth! Yeah! That's the ticket!!!!!! And Harley kept the INA inner cam bearings on the new TwinCam in '99 because there was no problem with the Evos and so they never had any problems with the TwinCam! It's all a lie that the TwinCam 88 had any problems with the inner cam bearings! Or with overheating! Or with the cam chain tensioners wearing out prematurely! And the moon's a baloon! No, it's made of green cheese!!!!!!!!
Anyone who wants to can bury their head in the sand. Anyone who wants to can listen and learn.
In fact, Harley must have never changed the Torrington full complement inner cam bearing on Evos to the INA back in '92, because you can't change the style of bearing in an engine! And all those failures of the INA bearing never happened! It's an urban myth! Yeah! That's the ticket!!!!!! And Harley kept the INA inner cam bearings on the new TwinCam in '99 because there was no problem with the Evos and so they never had any problems with the TwinCam! It's all a lie that the TwinCam 88 had any problems with the inner cam bearings! Or with overheating! Or with the cam chain tensioners wearing out prematurely! And the moon's a baloon! No, it's made of green cheese!!!!!!!!
Anyone who wants to can bury their head in the sand. Anyone who wants to can listen and learn.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
Yeah, it's impossible to make the change from Timken to INA or INA to Timken. All those shops that have been doing it since 2003 have been ripping off their customers and not doing any work at all. In fact Harley must have never made the change themselves because you can't substitute the INA for two tapered Timkens. So the current Twin Cams must still have the two tapered Timkens........ except they don't.
In fact, Harley must have never changed the Torrington full complement inner cam bearing on Evos to the INA back in '92, because you can't change the style of bearing in an engine! And all those failures of the INA bearing never happened! It's an urban myth! Yeah! That's the ticket!!!!!! And Harley kept the INA inner cam bearings on the new TwinCam in '99 because there was no problem with the Evos and so they never had any problems with the TwinCam! It's all a lie that the TwinCam 88 had any problems with the inner cam bearings! Or with overheating! Or with the cam chain tensioners wearing out prematurely! And the moon's a baloon! No, it's made of green cheese!!!!!!!!
Anyone who wants to can bury their head in the sand. Anyone who wants to can listen and learn.
In fact, Harley must have never changed the Torrington full complement inner cam bearing on Evos to the INA back in '92, because you can't change the style of bearing in an engine! And all those failures of the INA bearing never happened! It's an urban myth! Yeah! That's the ticket!!!!!! And Harley kept the INA inner cam bearings on the new TwinCam in '99 because there was no problem with the Evos and so they never had any problems with the TwinCam! It's all a lie that the TwinCam 88 had any problems with the inner cam bearings! Or with overheating! Or with the cam chain tensioners wearing out prematurely! And the moon's a baloon! No, it's made of green cheese!!!!!!!!
Anyone who wants to can bury their head in the sand. Anyone who wants to can listen and learn.
I'm confused...
Charlie D.