'05 RK question on bearings.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Ft Myers FL
'05 RK question on bearings.
11 year old RK...love my bike...lately the front end feels squirley...like it's looses....trying to describe the effect is hard by words...but going at 70 mph the handle bars kind of fishtail....was told to replace the bearings in the wheels and swing arm......is that the "cure" .... also while at it replace/check the neck bearing and since the swing arm is out maybe replace the motor mounts.....
Wish I could do the work but I am not mechanically inclined.....what is the approximate costs associated with changing the wheel bearings/ neck bearing and motor mounts?
Wish I could do the work but I am not mechanically inclined.....what is the approximate costs associated with changing the wheel bearings/ neck bearing and motor mounts?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
first is to check the tire pressure, condition etc. has the tire ever suffered an impact or been flat? balancing weights in place?
you can look up fall away test for the neck bearings- that is pretty easy to do- it takes time but not tricky, esp on a RK- make sure you disconnect the clutch cable at the lever
fork oil and seals? if the 2 legs are working differently, you'll feel it
checking the alignment of the drivetrain in the frame is easily done with 2 x 8' florescent light tubes. bike upright, one tube each side of the rear tire extending forwards- distance to front tire each side should be same
if the swingarm needs servicing that is a big job- and if your mileage is up, you'd want to replace the belt ( which itself has a labor cost 5 times the cost of the part- most of that cost is getting to and removing the swingarm)- unless you have alot alot of miles, though I doubt it
mike
you can look up fall away test for the neck bearings- that is pretty easy to do- it takes time but not tricky, esp on a RK- make sure you disconnect the clutch cable at the lever
fork oil and seals? if the 2 legs are working differently, you'll feel it
checking the alignment of the drivetrain in the frame is easily done with 2 x 8' florescent light tubes. bike upright, one tube each side of the rear tire extending forwards- distance to front tire each side should be same
if the swingarm needs servicing that is a big job- and if your mileage is up, you'd want to replace the belt ( which itself has a labor cost 5 times the cost of the part- most of that cost is getting to and removing the swingarm)- unless you have alot alot of miles, though I doubt it
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 5, 2017 at 01:48 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Wheel bearings are well worth checking. Lift each wheel so you can turn it by hand - if it feels or sounds bad, it is! Tyres are also a cause of such problems. If the treads are worn or showing an odd wear pattern replace them. Nice new tyres can be a sublime experience!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Ft Myers FL
Thank you...though.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
They have a habit of shearing in half like a sliced bagel.
As far as cost, I think the replacement part is something like $80, cant take you more than 30 mins to replace. Latest replacement part has upgraded material.
$63 at Board Tracker HD. http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline....gine-16207-79d
Last edited by Keithhu; Jan 5, 2017 at 08:57 PM.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
Had you done any work on the bike prior to this swaying wiggling phenomena arising? If so, start there.
If this swaying wiggling phenomena started faintly and become more pronounced, I'd strongly suspect suspect the tires. Tires can become quite unpleasant as they age.
If this swaying wiggling phenomena started faintly and become more pronounced, I'd strongly suspect suspect the tires. Tires can become quite unpleasant as they age.
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