Best Wheel Bearing Tool?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 6
My evo had tapered rollers so no experience with this. But I've replace many-a dirt bike wheel bearing by using a brass drift to drive them out from behind and a well sized socket for installation. So are we saying this "Fred Flintstone" procedure won't work with Harley brgs??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
My evo had tapered rollers so no experience with this. But I've replace many-a dirt bike wheel bearing by using a brass drift to drive them out from behind and a well sized socket for installation. So are we saying this "Fred Flintstone" procedure won't work with Harley brgs??
I changed my dirt bike bearings last summer with a slide hammer blind bearing puller, but those bearings weren't half the size of the Harley bearings and popped out pretty easy. Would've used the pit posse, but it's specific for Harleys, doesn't fit the little metrics.
Another thing about changing bearings - I always coat the wheel bore and outside race with anti-seize; I'd think it helps avoid galling the bore, and is good stuff to prevent corrosion. I've seen some nasty corrosion on aluminum against a steel part. A good wheel will be tight enough there's no worry about the race spinning in it.
My evo had tapered rollers so no experience with this. But I've replace many-a dirt bike wheel bearing by using a brass drift to drive them out from behind and a well sized socket for installation. So are we saying this "Fred Flintstone" procedure won't work with Harley brgs??
Change your bearings every other tire chhange.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Just thought of this - replaced the spoke wheel on my 1200 last year, saw that the weld was cracking on the inside when I put a new tire on. The new wheel came with bearings installed, pulled the plastic seal up to check, and they had plastic cages. Brand new wheels and changed bearings already; I'm not going to use wheel bearings that don't have metal ball cages. Wonder how many dealer tire changers check welds and inside bearings...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 6
Change wheel brgs every other tire change!! Dang!! Doesn't Harley still use Timken brgs! Isn't that a bit over kill? Cheez, I usually get 2-3 years out of KTM dirt bike brgs and they occasionally get submerged in water. Imold, is that little guy working on a rim with drum brakes??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Change wheel brgs every other tire change!! Dang!! Doesn't Harley still use Timken brgs! Isn't that a bit over kill? Cheez, I usually get 2-3 years out of KTM dirt bike brgs and they occasionally get submerged in water. Imold, is that little guy working on a rim with drum brakes??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
i bought and used this one a few months ago. 88 bucks. It's surprisingly well made and the colletts are correctly sized. http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-DAVID...3D161118708175
I bought and use the $85-$100 tool from Ebay, BUT they do not come with a true 25mm puller. I ordered the 25mm puller/installer from Georges Garage. I think I had a total of around $140 in the tools. Works great. I highly recommend the 25mm kit from Georges, the 1" stuff that comes with the tool is not an exact fit.
Some guys will go to the autoparts store and rent a puller/seater. That might be an option as well if you are familiar with the tool and how it works. But it's rare the autoparts store will have a 25mm puller/seater maybe .but who knows.
Some guys will go to the autoparts store and rent a puller/seater. That might be an option as well if you are familiar with the tool and how it works. But it's rare the autoparts store will have a 25mm puller/seater maybe .but who knows.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 48
From: Northern Illinois
I have and use this tool (MBS Manufactoring or Heartland), it will pull/install 3/4" 1" & 25mm Harley wheel bearings. Look around Amazon and eBay for best price. Made in USA, very good quality
Heartland Products
also look at
Pitt Posse
Heartland Products
also look at
Pitt Posse
I wish I would have bought this kit (Heartland). You need those little "cutout notches" for some Harley wheels. I bought a cheaper kit and I had to grind those notches to make it work. Also nice to have a dedicated 25mm installer and the bearing. Looks like a great kit for the money!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 601
Likes: 5
From: Pinellas County, Florida
I just borrow one from autozone or any other parts stores that lend out tools for free, it worked great for me. Put the new bearings in the freezer and they practically slide right in.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 20
From: Great Britain
Hi,
if you are going to replace the bearings with new ones (like i just have) you can doit easily with the following;
OUT - use a 24mm flooring bolt - see photo.
IN - a peice of 10mm allthread and some good thick 50mm washers.
Did mine with no problems and the parts cost me about Ł8 ($12).
Just make sure everything is square and lubed when you put the new bearings back in.
Rowle - UK
if you are going to replace the bearings with new ones (like i just have) you can doit easily with the following;
OUT - use a 24mm flooring bolt - see photo.
IN - a peice of 10mm allthread and some good thick 50mm washers.
Did mine with no problems and the parts cost me about Ł8 ($12).
Just make sure everything is square and lubed when you put the new bearings back in.
Rowle - UK