greasing a sealed wheel bearing?
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Casper, WY
greasing a sealed wheel bearing?
I have an '08 flht with 29,300 mi. I pulled the rear wheel to replace the tire and the pully bearing fell apart. the wheel bearings feel fine. I replaced the bearing ($45) from H-D.
My question is I keep reading about all these bearing failures and is it possible to lube a sealed bearing?
A guy once told me that he used a small pick to remove the outer seal and he hand packed the bearing, and pushed the seal back in.
My question is I keep reading about all these bearing failures and is it possible to lube a sealed bearing?
A guy once told me that he used a small pick to remove the outer seal and he hand packed the bearing, and pushed the seal back in.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I wouldn't do anything that might compromise the seal. Perhaps find a better bearing source?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Bearing lubrication is a very specialised game, and it is not necessarily a good thing to over pack a bearing.
If it is a sealed for life bearing then I would assume that the manufacturer is an expert (certainly more so than I am) and leave well alone.
Over pack it while static and I would have concerns about popping the seal off when the bearing is running and swishing all that lube around
If it is a sealed for life bearing then I would assume that the manufacturer is an expert (certainly more so than I am) and leave well alone.
Over pack it while static and I would have concerns about popping the seal off when the bearing is running and swishing all that lube around
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If it is any consolation the bearings on my 08 Buell were on their way out when I had the first tyres replaced, so this is a long-running problem. I replaced them with another brand, which you may be able to do with your 25mm ID bearings.
I suspect the 3/4" and 1" sealed bearings are Harley specials, so unlikely to be available in another brand.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
your right about little grease in new bearings, just enough to keep them out of trouble. i popped one seal off and greased them with a needle greaser. over 37k bearings still feel like new.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Easley, South Carolina
I don't know how these bearings could even be considered a sealed bearing when the outside cover to house them is like a dust cap.
Everything in moderation, whats it going to hurt to add a little grease for piece of mind and knowing rather than hoping it won't lockup at 70 or better going down the road.
Everything in moderation, whats it going to hurt to add a little grease for piece of mind and knowing rather than hoping it won't lockup at 70 or better going down the road.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,096
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From: San Jose
These things aren't the space shuttle, a little common sence goes a long way.