Lubricate Rear Fork Bearings?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 9, 2021 | 05:48 AM

LQQK_OUT

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,889

Likes: 1,902

From: East Coast, USA

Lubricate Rear Fork Bearings?

I removed the rear fork in my 2011 Ultra so that I can replace the rear drive belt. Should I be lubricating the rear fork spherical bearings before I re-install the rear fork back on the motorcycle? All I see in the factory service manual is to coat the bearing bores in the rear fork with a light coat of grease when re-installing the bearings.

Sep 9, 2021 | 06:52 AM

MyFavRk

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 10,833

Likes: 6,485

From: Canada Flats

I had my swing arm bearings replaced last fall , one was completely seized , before I re installed , I did put a coat of grease on them using a small brush , no issues .

Sep 9, 2021 | 10:01 AM

hardheaded

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 11,215

Likes: 3,044

From: St.Louis Mo.

I would replace them and grease the new ones before installing. You are right there anyway.

Sep 9, 2021 | 10:25 AM

Imold

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 27,096

Likes: 4,673

From: Frozelandia, Minnysota

Not much you can do to lub Harley's sperical bearings other than wipe a coat of grease on them, and that will turn to dirt gunk on the outside but hopefully not work inside. I'd actually be more concerned about using grease or anti seize anywhere the swing arm bolt contacts metal, not a good thing when it takes a sledgehammer to get it out, I've had to do that and get a new bolt. They can seize up so bad the bolt has to be cut to get the transmission out on some models.

Sep 9, 2021 | 12:44 PM

Highwaymans

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 1,431

Likes: 609

From: IE, CA

No way Id put that swingarm back on with those bearings. Hard work is done already. Replace em. Maybe think about an upgrade to a Sta Bo set.

Sep 9, 2021 | 03:40 PM

LQQK_OUT

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,889

Likes: 1,902

From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFavRk

I did put a coat of grease on them using a small brush , no issues .

Thanks for the tip. I ended up putting a small coat of grease on them using a Q-Tip. To be honest, I'm not sure that is really going to do anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardheaded

I would replace them and grease the new ones before installing. You are right there anyway.

I hear what you are saying, but I'd have to run to the dealer to get the parts (may not be in stock) and even though I have a hydraulic press, I'm not sure how to install them since I don't have the specialty tool to ensure the bearings are pressed to the correct depth. I could probably use some sockets and figure it out, but I may just order the Jims USA tool #5822 and the next time I replace my rear tire, I'll replace the bearings. Now that I've taken off and re-installed the rear fork, the next time I tackle this task, it will be MUCH quicker. I did replace both rubber isolators and the pivot shaft screws.

While the rear shocks were disconnected, I yanked on rear fork and there wasn't any play in it.