2009 front wheel bearing failure
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Agree. And learn to do it yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 35
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
I change whenever I change tires. I bought the correct tools for all the different wheel bearings from George's Garage. Made my money back 3 x already just from doing them for friends and getting a bottle or lunch for my trouble. Nice to have the right tool on hand. I also keep the bearings on the shelf in the shop so I don't have to wait. My two cents.
'09 FLHR w/43,000km and ABS...thought I needed front brakes till I got the calipers off and spun the wheel. Turns out the grinding noise I heard was the wheel bearings. In the future I will replace bearings every time I replace the rubber.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I lube my bearings every once in a while, factory bearings with ABS, still rolling.
I use this:
I use this:
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Northeast Missouri
Went to take my 2010 LTD off the lift a couple weeks ago after winter storage. As I was checking things out I noticed the front will wouldn't spin. I had to give it an extra tug but it finally broke loose and spins freely now. Strange I know but I have already got my indy getting me New bearings to replace these just in case. I have rode a few hundred miles without a problem but not going to risk it! Bike has 34,300 miles on it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Went to take my 2010 LTD off the lift a couple weeks ago after winter storage. As I was checking things out I noticed the front will wouldn't spin. I had to give it an extra tug but it finally broke loose and spins freely now. Strange I know but I have already got my indy getting me New bearings to replace these just in case. I have rode a few hundred miles without a problem but not going to risk it! Bike has 34,300 miles on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Northeast Missouri
I don't think so...I pumped the brakes before I forced it loose!
I guess it would be possible...never had anything like this happen in 17 years of storing my bike this same way!
I guess it would be possible...never had anything like this happen in 17 years of storing my bike this same way!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
I have also just joined the failed bearing club. 2010 FLHTCU. 18K. Never heard any indication of imminent failure. Got a horrible wobble on I-95 on the way back to Va Beach from Key West (great ride by the way). Managed to get another 30 miles to Black Jack HD in Florence, SC. Moved me to the head of the line and had me out the door in 2 hours. Great people there.