I have just had to replace the rear wheel bearings in my 2009 Road King. I have already replaced the front bearings twice. I have had the bike 20 months and put about 22,000 miles on it. My question is; is this normal? Should I be looking to get rid of this bike and get another? If so what years should I be avoiding so I do not have the same problem? I know that HD went to a smaller/thinner bearing, I believe in 2008. Have they come up with a solution? Have they changed back or made a change to fix this?

 

Know the Dyna is a single row bearing depending on the two bearing working as a team for the side load and are sensitive to side preload. My Softail is a double row bearing each independent of the other's side load. Mine have 40 K are all still good shape. I did not think Harley went to the single row on the big bikes like yours. Any time I have wheels off I check them to insure seals are sealed and bearings are smooth. I just sold on ebay two fatboy wheels with over 100K on them and bearings are fine. Just out of curiosity what are yours doing that make you think they are bad? My guess is the c-bores and your center spacer are not correct and the axle nut is putting a preloaded on the bearings. Are your wheels aftermarket?. If this was typical of Road Kings they would be sitting by the roadside. My opinion is there is a few out there failing due to overtorqueing or incorrect setups but mostly it is mechanics taking advantage of owners. You read on here all the time people saying there bikes are wondering or fill loose and then shortly talking about dealer replacing bearings. I seriously doubt this was the problem

 

I've got over 47 k on my 09 ultra classic. my wheel bearingsare still in good shape, front and rear

 

My wheels are the original wheels. I do have ABS which means my bearings have a speed sensor in them. I don't know if maybe that is the problem.

 

I have an '09 EG and my fronts went at 10K, I don't know but it seems that HD is buying inferior components. Bearings and rotors @ 10K, I thing bearings again at 25. the seat is coming apart also.
My '05 is a much better bike.

 

I had the right side front wheel bearing fail at 31,000 miles on my 2008 FLHRC.
I was doing a pre ride inspection when i saw the seal pushed out on the spacer a bearing missing .

I took it to the dealer and they replaced both front bearings while i waited . cost me $50with my exstended service

 

"Knock on Wood" I'm going on 67k miles and have never replaced a wheel bearing. Just had it in for a check up last year too. I didn't think they'd go bad for quite a few miles?