How to Install Wheel Bearings 'Just Right' (not too tight)?
#1
05-18-2014, 06:10 PM
How to Install Wheel Bearings 'Just Right' (not too tight)?
2011 FLHX
I'm replacing front & rear ABS wheel bearings using the bearing removal/install tool from George's Garage.
For the front wheel, the service manual wants the primary (left side/ABS) bearing to be installed first, followed by the long center wheel spacer, then the secondary (right side/non-ABS) bearing.
When it's all together, I can only spin left side (ABS) bearing with my finger. The right side seems too tight, as I cannot get it to spin freely with my finger.
I tried removing/installing both bearings a couple times, but same results.
When installing, should I simply just not seat the secondary/right side bearing all the way, allowing for a little space between the long center spacer and the inside bearing races?
Is it OK for the center spacer to have some lateral play between the two bearings, or should it be 'locked down' against the inside races of both bearings?
Thanks
I'm replacing front & rear ABS wheel bearings using the bearing removal/install tool from George's Garage.
For the front wheel, the service manual wants the primary (left side/ABS) bearing to be installed first, followed by the long center wheel spacer, then the secondary (right side/non-ABS) bearing.
When it's all together, I can only spin left side (ABS) bearing with my finger. The right side seems too tight, as I cannot get it to spin freely with my finger.
I tried removing/installing both bearings a couple times, but same results.
When installing, should I simply just not seat the secondary/right side bearing all the way, allowing for a little space between the long center spacer and the inside bearing races?
Is it OK for the center spacer to have some lateral play between the two bearings, or should it be 'locked down' against the inside races of both bearings?
Thanks
#2
05-18-2014, 06:15 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
By removing the bearing, you damaged it. When you install them, you push on outer race. No pressure is put on the the race to ball. When you pull them, you pull on inner race and it uses the ***** on the outer race to pull the bearing. This destroys the bearing. The order installed and side is important since no preload is put on bearing. The torque from axle passes thru inner race. The clearance on one side of outer race floats (fixed of course) I drew these up in my CAM system to help make since. Crude and not exactly like your ABS but maybe close.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; 09-14-2018 at 11:07 AM.
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twohawks (08-28-2016)
#3
05-18-2014, 07:13 PM
By removing the bearing, you damaged it. When you install them, you push on outer race. No pressure is put on the the race to ball. When you pull them, you pull on inner race and it uses the ***** on the outer race to pull the bearing. This destroys the bearing. The order installed and side is important since no preload is put on bearing. The torque from axle passes thru inner race. The clearance on one side of outer race floats (fixed of course) I drew these up in my CAM system to help make since. Crude and not exactly like your ABS but maybe close.
#4
05-18-2014, 07:52 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#5
05-18-2014, 09:25 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#7
08-10-2016, 09:23 PM
MultiHD gave me a tip that works really well. When I seat the second bearing I flip the pilots so they're on the flat side as opposed to the side that only contacts the outside of the bearing. That way, you can feel the bearing when it touches the axle spacer and you don't draw it down too tight.
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#8
08-10-2016, 09:55 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Yes. The readout has bolt circles input that comes in handy. And power feed on the X. 440 volt with a power generator since I had no three phase.
That's right on..
MultiHD gave me a tip that works really well. When I seat the second bearing I flip the pilots so they're on the flat side as opposed to the side that only contacts the outside of the bearing. That way, you can feel the bearing when it touches the axle spacer and you don't draw it down too tight.
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Campy Roadie (08-11-2016)
#9
08-11-2016, 11:01 AM
Club Member
MultiHD gave me a tip that works really well. When I seat the second bearing I flip the pilots so they're on the flat side as opposed to the side that only contacts the outside of the bearing. That way, you can feel the bearing when it touches the axle spacer and you don't draw it down too tight.
That's "multihdrdr" to you buddy
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/wheel...ientation.html
The following 2 users liked this post by multihdrdr:
Campy Roadie (08-11-2016),
skydude426 (08-11-2016)
#10
08-11-2016, 01:30 PM