Wheel Bearing life expectancy?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
And as one post says there was an updated version of the bearing he had and was replaced under warranty.
As for me Ill change them both out at the next set of tyres with good SKF units.
Wiz 🍻
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 156
From: florida
My first SG had original bearings when I trades it at 50K. Wife's went at 16K and caused tires to cup. Replaced under warranty.
My 17 SG I replaced front and rear with tires at 23K even though they didn't need to be Used All *****.
My 17 SG I replaced front and rear with tires at 23K even though they didn't need to be Used All *****.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Friction is what holds the outer race in the wheel hub. Every time you replace it you reduce this friction. You can end up with bearing walk from this. I'd be cautious about frequent bearing changes myself.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 161
Likes: 30
From: NW Georgia
The bearings on my brother's 2007 Heritage failed around 78k... while we were traveling in New Mexico a couple years ago... on a Sunday afternoon.
I recommend they be inspected at every tire change and if not changed by 50k+ miles, maybe it's good insurance to get it done.
Luckily we had pulled off I-40 for gas just inside NM from AZ when it happened. The day before we were riding in some pretty desolate area and would not have had cell service. As it was, he called roadside assistance... we waited like an hour for them... then they hauled it 100+ miles to Albuquerque. The dealer was able to get the bike in the shop that afternoon and finish the repair the next day. His wife recommended he trade it in since the bike was getting up there in age. He now rides a 2017 Heritage.
As luck would have it, it was the was during the balloon festival... so it was not a total loss. And my brother's $250 repair turned into a monthly payment on a new bike.
Ride Safely!
John.
I recommend they be inspected at every tire change and if not changed by 50k+ miles, maybe it's good insurance to get it done.
Luckily we had pulled off I-40 for gas just inside NM from AZ when it happened. The day before we were riding in some pretty desolate area and would not have had cell service. As it was, he called roadside assistance... we waited like an hour for them... then they hauled it 100+ miles to Albuquerque. The dealer was able to get the bike in the shop that afternoon and finish the repair the next day. His wife recommended he trade it in since the bike was getting up there in age. He now rides a 2017 Heritage.
As luck would have it, it was the was during the balloon festival... so it was not a total loss. And my brother's $250 repair turned into a monthly payment on a new bike.
Ride Safely!
John.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I lost the right front bearing on I-81 in Virginia. Hell of vibration and front end shake. Had to scrape out my britches. Fortunately I managed to get to the side of the highway at an exit. I have an app to locate Harley dealers and I was couple miles away from on. A Virginia State Trooper came up and led me and my buddy there... Shanandoah (spelling?) HD. Got me right in and right out. Total cost less than $300. So I went and bought a wheel bearing puller/installer, and a set of All ***** rear bearings for my next tire change. My plan is to check each tire change, and change bearings every other tire. the bike??? 2013 Street Glide, had about 30-31k miles. No power wash, hand wash only. So everytime the bike is on the jack, i'll give the wheels a quick spin and see if there is any roughness or noise.
Wheel bearings are crap.... at least stock bearings. Keep an eye on them, and if you take your bike in to a shop or do your own, I would consider changing wheel bearings every other tire change.
Wheel bearings are crap.... at least stock bearings. Keep an eye on them, and if you take your bike in to a shop or do your own, I would consider changing wheel bearings every other tire change.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
. My 2009 Road King only got 7000 miles before the front bearings went.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
?? What ??
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,253
From: San Diego, CA
FWIW.....
I've used a pressure washer on every bike I've owned, wash them frequently, and never had a bearing fail on me.......
Having said that, I know where the bearings are mounted on the wheels and don't spray the bearing directly, with the pressure washer...
If using a pressure washer causes your wheel bearings to fail, It's not the pressure washer that is the problem....... just sayin.......
I've used a pressure washer on every bike I've owned, wash them frequently, and never had a bearing fail on me.......
Having said that, I know where the bearings are mounted on the wheels and don't spray the bearing directly, with the pressure washer...
If using a pressure washer causes your wheel bearings to fail, It's not the pressure washer that is the problem....... just sayin.......
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 22, 2019 at 09:00 PM.
