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I am currently looking into getting new wheel bearings and came across some sellers of ceramic wheel bearings. The one manufacturer that seems to be standing out is World Wide Bearings.
What is the experience with ceramic bearings in general and possibly even World Wide's? I am particularly interested in anyone using them with ABS and on a front wheel of 21" size or larger. I previously had some ABS problems with after market bearings in my 21" wheel, while the OEM bearing worked perfectly.
I asked the World Wide about this problem (they are super responsive, btw), but they didn't seem to be willing to commit to anything, really: While they say their ABS bearing will work in any setting in which the OEM one works, they also pointed me towards a TracMax ABS Module that calibrates the ABS for larger wheels. Even when ignoring the $350+ this would set me back, I don't want to have this on my bike.
With $400 the cost for the whole set is more than 4x the OEM bearings. That puts it roughly in the middle of the increased life expectancy, but I feel the other advantages claimed by the manufacturer (less heat and friction seem the most relevant me) should make up for it.
no experience with this application but is it really worth it???
it seems that maybe the reluctor is diff than stock so a add on calibrator, another item to fail.
how many bearings do you think you will use in a lifetime?? i changed them in my 1974 ch because i was doing a major frame restoration, had nearly 80k miles and still good. my 01 sport still running originals and i flog it regularly, past what the speedo can show. really, wheel bearings never see any where near what the bearing is capable off. the biggest issue is radius ride, reason why tapers are better, pre-load is easier to set than spacing.
on the industrial side, where i have run across them, they seem to fair well, under heavy loading, they do not brinell but that does not mean they do not fail because they do. if one cracks, instant destruction, steel usually will make a tell before failing.
there are diff types also, are they ones you are looking at hybrid??
Not worth it for the application. Ceramics are for high rpm applications. Think over 10k.
The ***** are harder than the races so shock loading can put microscopic dimples in the race.
Look for the ABEC number on the bearing. 3 5 7 9 are the ratings. Higher number the smoother they roll. ABEC9 in roller blades are pretty much frictionless
Thanks for the input, bustert and Indawynd. So where then would I find "proper" non-Harley bearings (with ABEC9 rating) with ABS capability?
I find it interesting to read that you have no problems with the older bearings, reflecting somewhat the concern brought up in this forum that it is the more recent years of OEM bearings that started to have a much shorter lifetime (due to both design and origin).
if the bearings do not have markings, bring them to a bearing shop where they will measure them. some bearing have more than one app, for instance, the regular bearing and a high speed version, not to mention the various types of enclosures. as a side note, sealed ball bearings are sensitive to the spacer, it has to be spot on or there will be radius ride which leads to early end of life. when replacing bearings, always check axial play. on the taper types, preload easier to set.
Hello, to briefly add here: just ended up getting a set of OEM bearings as replacement. To my big surprise, the non-ABS bearings now have metal seals (see attached picture). Arent rubber seals what they used to have on the 25mm bearings and actually the preferred seal? Is this another way for HD to increase their margin?
Also, previous bearings I came across always had the maker and often country of origin imprinted. This one says only DSH (never heard of such a maker) and on the package made in Korea. They were bought in TX, anyone have insights?
thanks, best regards,
niv
that type of bearing enclosure has been around a very long time. it is basically the same as the rubber one you mentioned but turned around. the advantage here is that the sealing lip is not exposed and less likely to get snaf''d.
another advantage is that the out edge is easier to install at the factory since there is no rubber to deal with and the seal is more interference fit
hard pressed these days to find an american bearing. epa has hurt a lot of industries and the steel market is one. try to find an american television.
over-seas mfg can be good "IF" you hold tight tolerance on them, let them go free, junkola.
thanks for the input to both of you. I was under the impression to have handled the B-version before, but without the metal seals. Likewise, I was not aware that this special type of seal exists. When you buy bearings from distributors, the ones with the regular metal seal are the cheapest. rubber seals on both side make them somewhat more expensive.
I dare to say that Korean-made bearings should meet good standards, I usually try to go for SKF or *** directly, preferably made somewhere in Europe.
best, niv
p.s. even without the epa, I doubt anyone would still be making TVs in the US.
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Ceramic wheel bearings
