Wheel Bearing Failure
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
Wheel Bearing Failure
Got about 400 miles into my trip from Georgia to Alaska and when I started to hear a ticking noise. Heard that for about 20 miles then when we pulled in to Cleveland Ga. I could feel the front wheel dragging and all doubt of what the problem was went away. Of course on a Sunday afternoon whats the chance of finding a parts store open, let alone having the bearings but the lone auto zone had two. The problem turned out that whoever had the wheel off last apparently did not reinstall the shims and the bearing was way to tight. Thats the one thing I couldn't find so had to cut shims out of a V8 juice can and seems OK now. Oh well If thats the worst thing that happens will be a great trip.
Last edited by AlaskaAviator; Mar 7, 2012 at 06:30 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
I am guessing he has an older bike with the tapered bearings...Removing the races in a parking lot with a limited supply of tools would be a challenge...It is good to know that are still people out that can handle things things like this on the road and keep on going...The mark of a true biker.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 4
From: Oklahoma
My sentiments exactly!
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
Well its still OK after about 330 miles today but the bearing is running a little warm, not hot just warm.I stopped and bought the steel shims at a harley shop so if I feel the bearing is running to hot I will replace with the right ones. Am a little worried that the V8 can shims may crush and tighten the bearing up . Couldn't find a frigging punch to save my **** so had to use the axle. Worked quite well actually. Will post if I have more problems. I was worried about the MM fuel injection but so far it is working great.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 2
From: Cave Creek, AZ
Alaska, thanks for sharing, sometimes you have to think out side the box, but I wasn't thinking a V8 can. Have a safe journey home.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: Olive Branch, Ms
Good job Aviator! Glad you got it fixed. I'll echo what's been said already, it is impressive to see others that can fix things on the road with minimal tools. My question is, how many folks did it take to get that HOG up on them cinder blocks??
ride safe
ride safe
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
To get it up on the block we kind of rolled it over on the kick stand while taking as much weight off as we could. Some fellow at the hotel helped lift it so we went straight up with it that time.
