Bearing Failure with pic
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,172
From: Oxford, Nc
Harley went to the 25 mm axle in 2008 JUST so they could take advantage of the less expensive single row bearing available with it. And that's where and when the problems occurred.
It's Harley's 'modus operandi': Save the money. Not only on the wheel bearings, but on the CHEAP cast cranks in 2007 and the removal of the Timken Lefty bearing from the cases in 2003.( That bearing is still available in the S/E P&A book - but now you get to pay for it. It was standard in my 2000.)
As to the bearings, the newer models do have less incidents now than the 08 and 09 models...Apparently Harley found a supplier that now puts some grease in them.
Last edited by Stiggy; Dec 16, 2012 at 07:40 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 277
From: USA
Here are Pics of my bearings. 64,100 miles. 08 Road Glide with ABS
Keeping my fingers crossed. Seem to be smooth yet but I noticed some leaking from them before I washed it for storage. Should have took a picture of it before washing.
Keeping my fingers crossed. Seem to be smooth yet but I noticed some leaking from them before I washed it for storage. Should have took a picture of it before washing.
Last edited by timbo141; Dec 16, 2012 at 10:50 AM. Reason: Added to it
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,322
From: Western South Dakota
Yep, with the new-er style bearings you're better off changing your bearings when-ever you change your tires just to be on the safe side.
Pitiful that you should have to do this, but an ounce of prevention..
Pitiful that you should have to do this, but an ounce of prevention..
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina-First to secede and hopefully the next.
Chinese bearing are chit. So is Chinese steel. Much of my RG may be of Chinese origin, but I'm replacing much of it as fast as I can afford. And bet your azz what I replace it with will be American made when possible.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
There's why I won't buy a twin cam.I'll stick with my evo with the tapered timken wheel bearings and crank bearing.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
Yup, looks like my 09' which I have had the bearings replaced 2 times. I wonder if the bad front tire on the 09' has in some way affected the rim.
I think my bearings need to be replaced again as I now have a wobble again at 45 to 50 MPH.
My bike has 39,000 miles on it currently.
Are there after market alternatives?
I think my bearings need to be replaced again as I now have a wobble again at 45 to 50 MPH.
My bike has 39,000 miles on it currently.
Are there after market alternatives?
http://www.gizmology.net/bearings.htm
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Looks just like my 2009 right front wheel bearing at 20,000 miles. Replaced with newer bearing and have not had any other issues so far. Hopefully they have fixed the problem, cannot go to a different bearing on the left side due to ABS brakes.