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In 2016 I had a front wheel bearing explode on my 2009 Road Glide (at 80 mph), now two years later I started hearing the same noise from the front end so I took it to a dealership to have it checked. Bad again so I missed my ride from Arkansas to Michigan while its being fixed. My question is have any of you guys experienced similar problems and if so, did you figure out a root cause? In my mind a wheel bearing shouldnt fail after 7000 miles.
After a couple of failures I gave up on Harley bearings. These were suppose to be their "100,000 mile" bearings but the best I have managed is about 65K. I check them at every tire change and usually change them out every couple of tire changes just for good measure. Last set I changes was for a friend with only 22,000 miles on an '09 RK. You can get All ***** bearing sets pretty cheap.
After a couple of failures I gave up on Harley bearings. These were suppose to be their "100,000 mile" bearings but the best I have managed is about 65K. I check them at every tire change and usually change them out every couple of tire changes just for good measure. Last set I changes was for a friend with only 22,000 miles on an '09 RK. You can get All ***** bearing sets pretty cheap.
what tools do you use to replace? (08 touring) Is there a nice setup to get?
Have never had an issue on any bike I've owned, but for down the road....
what is the longevity of the All ***** bearings?
Also, what sound/feel to look for prior to bearing failure? Assuming some grinding. Thanks.
what tools do you use to replace? (08 touring) Is there a nice setup to get?
Have never had an issue on any bike I've owned, but for down the road....
what is the longevity of the All ***** bearings?
Also, what sound/feel to look for prior to bearing failure? Assuming some grinding. Thanks.
This is what I use to remove / replace wheel bearings but there are several other manufacturers. There are videos on youtube showing it in use. Pretty simple process when you already have the wheel off.
With respect to the longevity of the All ***** bearings I really can't say. As I said I change them out at about 30,000 miles or so as preventative maintenance. I just don't want to have to deal with it 1,000 miles from home.
With the wheel off the bike I insert the axle and see if I can get any side to side movement in the bearings. Put your fingers in the bearing and roll it. It should feel pretty smooth. If I feel any movement or the bearing feels rough I replace them. Like I said they are fairly inexpensive. I have three complete sets on the shelf.
I've had two different sets go bad, Luckily it was caught before total failure. They're cheap both in dollars and how they are made so I just change them with every tire change to be on the safe side. I say I,,,,My Indy changes them every time. He just charges me for the bearings since he's got the wheel off already for the tire.
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Front Wheel Bearing
