Sealed Wheel Bearing Shims/Spacers - What they look like...Where they go :)
Some may be interested...
I had to pull some bearings & sleeves from a set of 2008 16x3 "Touring" wheels. and this was a good chance to show people a bearing shim/spacer and where it goes. You might see how you could miss seeing it until it falls out somewhere along the line after bearing removal.
The MoCo installs shims (right from the factory) on 2008 "Touring" Models because they used the same 2000(02)-2007 wheel castings and bearing bore specifications as when they used the wider 1" ID x 21mm wide bearings, but was introducing the new thinner 25mm ID x 15mm wide bearings. So they installed a shim under the "Primary Side" bearing (Front-left, Rear-right...see the machined grooves) to "fill the void" so to speak, along with a longer center spacer sleeve. They redesigned the wheels in 2009 specifically for those 25mm ID bearings while changing sizes and drive systems.
Logic would lead you to believe that the shim would be 6mm (21mm -15mm), but it's not, because they also made other changes to the wheel/axle spacers at the same time. Also the Front and Rear shims are different sizes. That's why it says "Rear" as shown in the photo.
These are same type bearing shim/spacer (but come a few various sizes) that are used if applicable for installing a lot of the wheels from the "Parts and Accessory" Catalog. They make the wheel to be used with older bearings, but can be used also in most (not all) newer model 25mm bearing applications by using the shims and appropriate center spacer sleeve.
That's why they can list "years" in the "Fitment" section that you might not think is correct.
Also of possible interest this wheel is a more uncommon GLOSS Black "Airstrike" shown at the bottom
5-15-17 ADDED BELOW
Photo shows an example of a SHIM being used to allow the use of 2008-later Touring 25mm axle/bearings/center spacer sleeve in a front wheel designed for the earlier bearings as HD did on originally equipped 2008 Touring Models.
TOP: 2008 Touring / BOTTOM: 2000-07 Touring
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Last edited by multihdrdr; 05-15-2017 at 11:23 PM.
Is the 1"x 21mm wide ball bearing shown, a double row or single row?
What is preferred recess distance from the lip to the bearing?
Measured several to be ~ .19"
This distance determines the shim thickness.
Are all the H-D ball bearings deep groove.
Are the ball bearings preferred over the stock tapered roller bearing in 73-99 hubs and cast wheels?
Used to get the retrofit ball bearings with 3/4" bore x 1.781" OD that fit the 73-99 hubs.
Had a blue colored rubber seal.
Can no longer find this bearing.
Have two left over bearings that measure, 3/4" bore x .81" width x 1.781" OD.
Do you have a source for this bearing either single or double row.
Contacted "All *****", no luck
V-Twin has kit, VT-44-2995 with two bearings .81" width for rear application, bearing spacer and two wheel spacers, but only need the bearings.
VT 44-0537 maybe a tapered roller bearing not ball bearing since description states race and graphic may not be representative of product
VT 12-8850, 3/4" bore but OD and width not specified
Call VT, said unable to get clarification.
On a dual front rotor wheel hub does matter which side the shim is placed?
Thanks in advance for your professional input.
Last edited by Almond farmer; 07-21-2017 at 08:50 AM.
Is the 1"x 21mm wide ball bearing shown, a double row or single row? Single Row ... But unique in that they use 2 seals per side (4 separate seals per bearing)
What is preferred recess distance from the lip to the bearing?
Measured several to be ~ .19"
This distance determines the shim thickness.
Hmm...No really "preferred" dimension ...you work with what you have and what you're trying do.
Harley intended the Shims are to be used along with the later "Thinner" 15mm wide bearings (25mm ID x 15mm wide) to allow (where applicable) earlier wheels designed for the "Wider" 21mm bearings (3/4" & 1" ID x 21mm wide) to be installed on the later bikes while re-using their original wheel/axle spacers.
You really only need them if your trying to fill a bearing pocket void
ADDED LATER For possible clarification... Tapered Roller Brg SHIMS and Sealed Ball Brg SHIMS serve two different purposes. Shims used with Tapered Roller are for adjusting "End Play" (axial movement) whereas Shims are used with Sealed Ball to Adapt wheels
Are all the H-D ball bearings deep groove.
Yes... 2000-later Sealed Ball Bearings
Are the ball bearings preferred over the stock tapered roller bearing in 73-99 hubs and cast wheels?
"Preferred" ?...that's subjective...
Sealed balled are easier to deal with less knowledge and faster to assemble the wheel assembly, but non-serviceable
Tapered Roller needs the "End Play" set (more knowledge), but should/could last the life of the bike with servicing
Used to get the retrofit ball bearings with 3/4" bore x 1.781" OD that fit the 73-99 hubs.
Had a blue colored rubber seal.
Can no longer find this bearing.
Have two left over bearings that measure, 3/4" bore x .81" width x 1.781" OD.
Do you have a source for this bearing either single or double row.
Contacted "All *****", no luck
V-Twin has kit, VT-44-2995 with two bearings .81" width for rear application, bearing spacer and two wheel spacers, but only need the bearings.
VT 44-0537 maybe a tapered roller bearing not ball bearing since description states race and graphic may not be representative of product
VT 12-8850, 3/4" bore but OD and width not specified
Call VT, said unable to get clarification.
That bearing is a HB-299 (HB-2995), but don't think it's available separately anymore.
Thank you so so much for your input and highly respected.
Confirmed the #on the 3/4"x 1.781" OD x .810" width deep groove bearing is HB-299.
Spent half hour a Kaman industries Friday after with this bearing in hand, Kaman was unable to find any ball bearing with 3/4"x 1.781"OD by any width.
Removed the four rubber metal backed seals from the H-D 1" x 52mm Of x 21 mm width bearing, big difference in drag.
The four rubber seals add a bunch of drag to this ball bearing.
The new H-D , 25mm bore x 52mm OD BB with outer metal jacket may still have one of the inner rubber seals based on the drag, not sure.
Maybe only the metal jacket because of thinner 15mm width.
Received a BB , Friday from Impact Bearing, #Z9504 RST with rubber metal jacket,
3/4" bore x 1.7805 x .62" same size as Timken 204RR6 A4362.
However, the Z95504 RST is NOT a deep groove BB.
It was listed in the agricultural category.
Installing the Timken 204RR6, in the 79-83 dual rotor narrow guide front hub.
Kaman Industries should be able to source this bearing.
Maybe the HB 299 was a special non industrial bearing.
Ordered two 204RR6 A4362 from Motion industries today.
MI has 600 & Timken has 3600
Bearing is listed under agricultural series and a mild seats angle row deep groove.
The 3/4", 1" , 25mm old style x 52mm OD x 21 mm is deep deep groove with wide outer race. Maybe this is the reason for going to larger 52mms OD in 2000.
Have to get the grease spec and static and dynamic load rating.
04-25-2017, 11:39 PM
Sealed Wheel Bearing Shims/Spacers - What they look like...Where they go :)
