Warning, A/M wheel bearings
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 6
From: Riverside, Ca.
The replacement HD bearings were made in the Cech Republic. That's eastern Europe.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 86
I think what's happening is that H-D is buying from whatever source gives the cheapest price instead of one place. Probably come from multiple places. One thing for sure, they don't use premium bearings like Timken etc.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 302
Likes: 4
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
No way is HD having custom wheel bearings made for their bikes.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
Thought I'd save some money and find some a/m wheel bearings. The only ones the bearing house could cross reference were DH bearings # DH-559339-1. All the specs matched and they were 51 bucks for all four. 1" bearings on my 07. All four for less than two at HD. What a deal. Had a failure on the front wheel at app. 800 miles. Replaced with HD. At approx. 1500 miles had one on the rear fail. All my bearings are now HD. HD may be expensive but sometimes the extra cost is worth it. Had to do the job twice and ended up with the HD's after all. What's your time and labor worth. Also the rear bearing started to fail on the way to LA. Luckily it did get me home.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
Harley probably buys these from a major bearing manufacturer that has a factory in Check Republic or China or all over the Fn world, They sell 700,000 plus bikes a year x 4 bearings. That would easily qualify for a custom bearing if they wanted it. I believe there is a quality bearing made that will fit it is just a matter of finding it. I am going to call ALL ***** tomorrow and see what they say. Had a good conversation with one of their engineers last week about their starter clutches.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 2
From: New Orleans, LA
Finding the correct size bearing is simple, the newer bikes using a 25mm single row bearing is a (6)205. This size will fit just fine, but as some are finding out, there is more to bearings than just the ID, OD, and width. Most run of the mill 205 bearings stocked at a bearing supply, no matter the brand or country of manufacture, will likely be a C3 clearance spec. This spec is common for electric motors and is looser than standard to allow for heat buildup in that application. Not exactly what I am interested in using for the relatively slow turning wheels on a heavy bike.
The issue is finding the HD spec for their wheel bearings and using an appropriate, or better, substitute. I am reasonably sure HD doesn't have a secret bearing formula or facility, so the first person that finds and posts this info gets a gold star.
The issue is finding the HD spec for their wheel bearings and using an appropriate, or better, substitute. I am reasonably sure HD doesn't have a secret bearing formula or facility, so the first person that finds and posts this info gets a gold star.
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