front wheel bearings

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Jan 9, 2013 | 09:58 PM

jmn1960

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 892

Likes: 6

From: rio rancho n.m.

front wheel bearings

could ya'll give some advice on what mileage to change the front wheel bearings,, they look like sealed bearings by just lookinf,, bike is a 2005 ultra classic,40k on the clock,, not having any problems, but would like to do them as pm,i usually repack my truck at 50 or 60k so i was just wondering,.
thanks mike

Jan 9, 2013 | 10:00 PM

piesik650

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 1,597

Likes: 1

From: Frederick, CO

at 40k I would say pull the wheel and check them. but I personally would replace them every 50k if there not giving you any problems

Jan 9, 2013 | 11:39 PM

bagman1

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 4,999

Likes: 55

From: Bay Area

definitly check them, I think that era bearings were said to go 100k before change. It all depends of what kind of life and care those 40k were on them.

Jan 10, 2013 | 09:37 AM

hardheaded

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 11,226

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From: St.Louis Mo.

mine lasted 2145 miles. i would check or replace every time you put tires on.

Jan 10, 2013 | 01:00 PM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardheaded

i would check or replace every time you put tires on.

On my 08 Buell they were all knackered at first tyre change, so that is good advice.

Last edited by grbrown; Jan 10, 2013 at 01:04 PM.

Jan 10, 2013 | 01:17 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

Likes: 173

From: Simi Valley, CA

I check mine everytime the wheel is off. If they feel smooth and tight and do not exhibit any visible damage I run them, hopefully until the next time I have the wheel off.

Contrary to what you read here, I've never found a bad one on either of my bikes with about 80,000 and 40,000 miles respectively.

Personally, I would never change a wheel bearing as a preventative measure provided it checks out ok at each inspection. I'll replace it when it starts to exhibit signs of failure. So far for me, that's been never.

Jan 10, 2013 | 01:41 PM

baust55

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,283

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From: nebraska

My right front bearing fail at about 30,000 miles on my 2008 FLHRC.
Durring a pre-ride safety check .
I spoted the seal pushed out onto the spacer and several ***** missing.

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Jan 10, 2013 | 02:52 PM

DTTJGlide

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 2,561

Likes: 280

From: North Cental Iowa

The newer 25mm bearings, 08-up, are single row & have been a problem, the 00-07 are double row & most will go 100K+, just check them at every tire replacement.