I was looking through my Service Manual and noticed that there is no replacement interval for wheel bearings listed.

I also did a search of the forums and didn't find anything there either.

So, the question is, how do you know when it's time to replace the wheel bearings?

Now, I know some will probably say when they start making noise. But, I wouldn't think you'd be able to hear the noise from a wheel bearing over the engine/exhaust noise.

Anyone ever experience a wheel bearing failure? If so, were there any noticeable warning signs?

 

My 1990 Glide is still on its original front wheel bearings, which are good ole fashioned taper-roller bearings. My 2008 Buell had new sealed ball-races at the same time as it's first replacement tyres.

Now that may not help much, but modern ball-race bearings don't seem to last very long and have established a reputation for not lasting very long.

It is wise to spin the wheels say at service time. Ball races will start to rumble as they get badly worn, but tapered races make less noise. They run with a little sideways slack in them, which is not easy to feel by hand, so if you can feel some, take a closer look at them.

Your bike is on the cusp between changing from tapers to *****, but your manual should confirm that.

 

My rear is orig with 100,000 on it and I check it everytime I do a rear tire. The front goes bad about every 20,000 I do a thurough bike check once a month including spinning and checking end play on the tire. 11.00 bucks for front bearings so first signs of play I order a new set.

 

I simply check the bearings each time the wheel is off the bike for tires or any other reason. If they feel smooth and firm, they're probably ok until the next tire change when I'll check them again.

 

2000 to 2007 have the 'good' double row bearings. Replaced mine at 100,000 miles front and back, and they didn't need it yet. I just thought it was a good idea.

 

What did they do in 08+? Curios.

 

On the touring bikes, HD went to the 1" 25mm sealed bearing. Seems the bean counters found another way to cheapen up the quality on our bikes

 

Harley introduced a new range of wheels around 2002, which for the touring range had 1" bearings. In 2008 they fitted 25mm bearings, which are not the same. On the later wheels the 3/4", 1" and 25mm bearings are interchangeable, so the wheels can be swapped round to other suitable bikes. For example softails used similar wheels, but stayed with 3/4" bearings later than other models, before going to 25mm.

I have a Deuce rear wheel with 3/4" bearings which I plan fitting to my touring bike by replacing the bearings with 1".

 

Thanks guys. I always spin both wheels every time I have the bike up on the lift. I've never noticed any noise or rough feel to this point.

 

Recommened change interval is 30K