Swing arm bearing replacement questions
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
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Swing arm bearing replacement questions
Greetings folks,
OK so I have 63K on my 2007 FLHR, have all the classic symptoms of bagger wobble and am going to replace my swing arm bearings with the Sta-Bo ED-16 bearings and install the Sta-Bo II bushings. My questions are as follows:
1. Do I have to pull the entire primary apart and remove the belt?
2. Do I need any special tools for removal/re-installation?
3. Are there any other things I should look for while I have the *** end apart?
I am very mechanically inclined, have a wealth of tools, a large lift and mechanical skills....just wanted to pass this through the forums. I have read TONS of useful information and just want to make sure I cover all bases before pulling the rear end apart. It frankly doesn't look like a terribly difficult job...mostly time consuming.
Thanks very kindly, in advance, for all that respond. I look forward to hearing from the experts and those that have done this before...
Thanks again...Burgie
OK so I have 63K on my 2007 FLHR, have all the classic symptoms of bagger wobble and am going to replace my swing arm bearings with the Sta-Bo ED-16 bearings and install the Sta-Bo II bushings. My questions are as follows:
1. Do I have to pull the entire primary apart and remove the belt?
2. Do I need any special tools for removal/re-installation?
3. Are there any other things I should look for while I have the *** end apart?
I am very mechanically inclined, have a wealth of tools, a large lift and mechanical skills....just wanted to pass this through the forums. I have read TONS of useful information and just want to make sure I cover all bases before pulling the rear end apart. It frankly doesn't look like a terribly difficult job...mostly time consuming.
Thanks very kindly, in advance, for all that respond. I look forward to hearing from the experts and those that have done this before...
Thanks again...Burgie
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
No you do not have to pull the tranny apart or the primary.
You do have to remove the pivot shaft. Its under the small chrome disc on either side if the bike.
Once you pull the shaft out the swing arm will fall off.
You may need a press to get the old cleve blocks out
You should not need anything to put the new bearings back in
If you can afford, i would replace the rubber biscuits, change brake pad and the rear brake line.
By the way, i did this conversion on my 04, it corners like its on rails. I routinely scrape my boards as i can get deep into curves.
You do have to remove the pivot shaft. Its under the small chrome disc on either side if the bike.
Once you pull the shaft out the swing arm will fall off.
You may need a press to get the old cleve blocks out
You should not need anything to put the new bearings back in
If you can afford, i would replace the rubber biscuits, change brake pad and the rear brake line.
By the way, i did this conversion on my 04, it corners like its on rails. I routinely scrape my boards as i can get deep into curves.
Last edited by bigskyroadglide; Jun 11, 2015 at 08:51 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
Fixing the rear suspension deflection is required and it helps considerably. The other oft missed item is the flexy front fork. 2014 HD Touring bikes went from a 41mm fork to a 49mm fork with a clamped tube style upper triple tree. MotorcycleMetal, one of the forum sponsors, has developed custom triple trees that will allow you to convert the 41mm fork to the updated 49mm fork and has designed a ohlin cartridge setup for it. He also has an inverted fork setup as well but for most of this, it may be overkill. Listed below is a forum link where it's described:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ont-forks.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ont-forks.html
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
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Thanks Foxtrapper!! I am considering just buying a new swingarm shaft as I know the rigors it must be subjected to and with everything else new may just a good investment...
Thanks too, MongoMark!! I'm planning on chroming the front forks this coming winter and have saved the URL you posted in my favorites!!
Another question: What about post-installation alignment? The rear whe3en shaft has cams that pull the tire back uniformly but is there any swing arm alignments necessary...of is it truly "plug and play" so to speak?
Thanks again for the excellent inputs!!!
Burgie
Thanks too, MongoMark!! I'm planning on chroming the front forks this coming winter and have saved the URL you posted in my favorites!!
Another question: What about post-installation alignment? The rear whe3en shaft has cams that pull the tire back uniformly but is there any swing arm alignments necessary...of is it truly "plug and play" so to speak?
Thanks again for the excellent inputs!!!
Burgie
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 460
Go to Glide Pro web site. They have videos that explain how to align the drivetrain with a level and a couple laser levels. It works very well. After your improvements and a good alignment, your bike will handle like a dream.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
It sounds as if you may be planning this work without a factory service manual! In addition you will need to support the weight of the trans (including engine!) while removing the swingarm axle, otherwise gravity will bite back!
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2007
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GRBrown...I have a factory service manual and it will be at my side the entire time. However, as with any procedure...albeit on a bike, car, truck, ATV...there are always "lessons learned" and I place significant emphasis on experience...hence the reason why I am asking for pointers!!!