Can anybody tell me why (head bearing grease)

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Aug 4, 2013 | 11:41 PM

Falcon195

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From: USA

Can anybody tell me why (head bearing grease)

I know many softail owners use wheel bearing grease to lubricate the head bearings on their softails becase it doesn't get runny in the warm weather. But looking at the 2013 Harley parts and accessories catalog it indicates that wheel bearing grease can be used for head bearing for all bikes except 97 and later softails and dynas. For 97 or later softails and dynas it indicates to only use Harley special purpose grease for 97 and later softails and dynas. Why is this? what is the difference in the head bearings in the 97 or later softails and dynas as compared to the other models?
What negative affects will using wheel bearing grease for a softail or dyna head bearing have?

Last edited by Falcon195; Aug 4, 2013 at 11:45 PM.

Aug 5, 2013 | 12:21 AM

Misbehaven

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: Sheboygan,Wi

I have tried all the different grease and the fact remains that on hot days it all runs out the bottom to some extent. Wipe it off now and then and re grease at 5000 miles services.

Aug 5, 2013 | 10:03 PM

Falcon195

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From: USA

OK let's try this a different way.
Why does Harley say I can't use wheel bearing grease in my steering head bearings?

Aug 5, 2013 | 10:08 PM

j1mmy

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: navarre ohio

any grease will work.. some might run out more, but it will work fine.. i knew a guy once that used bacon grease to assemble his front end. its not like it spins at high speed. it would work dry till the races got rusty.

Aug 6, 2013 | 12:40 AM

Falcon195

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by j1mmy

OK but this still doesn't answer the original question.
Why does Harley say to not use wheel bearing grease for the head bearings in 97 and up dynas and softails?

Aug 6, 2013 | 12:50 AM

ynots

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Southern Oregon

Because 97 & up Dynas are extremely fast bikes and they turn at very high rate of speed. That old grease just doesn't cut it. That's my answer and I'm sticking with it lol

Aug 6, 2013 | 12:54 AM

ynots

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Southern Oregon

Harley special purpose grease, they want you to buy their product, you can get wheel bearing grease anywhere.

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Aug 6, 2013 | 02:34 AM

loopie

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 583

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From: australia

its the same with oils, its a marketing plow,,, Harley does not make Filters, Oil, Spark plugs, Battery's, Gease, And most other things,, Screamin eagle parts are made by other vendors, just rebadged,,

Automotive wheel bearing grease ( wheel bearings) does your car suffer from melting bearing grease from the heat off your stub axles/brakeing?????..SO how can it melt in your head stem that has no heat cycles like your hubs in your car,,, SIMPLE answer is it aint going too happen it has a high melting point..??? basic mechanics really.