Hey guys, I just bought a "93 Sportster. I have had a new set of tires mounted and am trying to pack the wheel bearings. I have destroyed one bearing seal on the front whee, but it is still in there. Any insight on removing the seals? Is it necessary to remove the seals or can I just pack grease into the bearings. It's been 38 years since I sold my "60 XLCH and I'm pretty rusty on maintenance knowledge. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

if the hub has tapered bearings, the seal should be separate and can be pried out or you could use the sheet metal screw process to pull the seal. the bearing inner should slide out and then you can clean them and the race in the hub. if you have a bearing packer then use it or pack by hand, easy and add a little to the race.
if you have done a boat trailer, you got this!

 

Help me out here. Please explain the sheet metal screw process. Thanks.

 

OK, I got the seal out. Bearing looks good all cleaned up. New seals on the way. Ride Safe.

 

sometimes, prying out the seal isn't viable so a sheet metal screw is screwed into the seal and then pliers can be used to pull it out, or with a longer screw, the seal can be jacked out providing it is safe to do so, depending on what is behind the seal.
while you have it apart, now is the time to check axial play in the wheel assy. if not within tolerance, changing or shimming spacer size is necessary. if bearings are worn, change those first.

 

Following up from my post, sounds like you are good to go!