As far as I know, there is no service that can be done to prevent this - - does anyone know? ?

My 08 Heritage has only 34,000 miles, and the bearing went out about 500-miles ago.

I heard a rattle sound before I left on a trip, but thought it was the heat shield on one exhaust pipe - - bent it out, and no more rattle -- road about 150 miles locally before leaving on my trip.

In a very remote area of Oregon, I started to hear a similar rattle - - then it became louder, and more metallic sounding, but not all the time - - then in a remote area I have ridden before, where you may not see a car/truck/bike for several hours it got worse, and every so often the bike would "wiggle".
Got into Ukiah, OR and I stopped --this is a very small town - - another Heritage rode past, and he turned around - - we discussed my issue, and he offered to test ride it - - after one block, he returned and said "don't ride this bike, it could kill you".

No cell phone service, but a local small business let me use his land line - - My roadside assistance is with Progressive, - - and they said would tow it to a Suzuki or some such place - - I said no, wanted to go to a Harley shop - they said I would need to pay $180, and I said okay - they then called back and said they found a place that works on Harley's -- I was not convinced, but they patched me through, and after talking to the owner, I said okay

Was a total of 5-hours before the tow truck arrived - --now the great part about all of this. I called the firm and said would not arrive until late.
The owner gave me his cell number, call him and he would come down and put the bike inside - - told him I needed to find a motel and a place to eat - he said will take you to a motel
This company is: Phantom Cycles, IN PENDLETON, OR -- OWNER CRAIG MAYFIELD

The next morning I'm in my motel room, and at 0900 my phone rings -- bike is ready - - he sent someone to pick me up.

He and an assistant came in early to work on my bike. If you ever need bike work in this area, you should use Phantom Cycles.

I am one lucky guy, and was helped by some very nice people.

Sorry this is so long, but I thought was worth writing.

Cheers,
Balloo

 

Rear bearing should be inspected every tire tire change . Also there are signs like rust lines extending from bearing. Sound you will hear them when they are going. Raising rear and spinning the rear wheel.

 

Glad it all worked out, and to know there are still people with a great work ethic and compassion for people. Ride safe Balloo.

 

A similar thing happened to a friend of mine and under similar circumstances. In his case it tore up the back wheel, so he was out some $$. I've got a chirp coming from my front end, but it doesn't start making noise until I ride 10-15 miles. It's not the brake or engine. I suspect it's a wheel bearing since I've got 80K on the bike. I'm due for a tire, do I'll get it checked when I replace it.

 

wow. glad that story had a good ending and good on that shop for taking care of you like that.

 

I open the sealed bearing and check for grease.....50% of them have no or very little grease

 

Get the bearing tool from Pitposse. It will pull and install the sealed bearings. Cost is around $100.

Its actually an easy job with this tool. I replace mine every tire change, front and rear.