When to replace wheel bearings?
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 5
From: Hickory, NC
When to replace wheel bearings?
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?
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?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
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.
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
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.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 172
From: Simi Valley, CA
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
What did they do in 08+? Curios.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
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
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I have a Deuce rear wheel with 3/4" bearings which I plan fitting to my touring bike by replacing the bearings with 1".
Last edited by grbrown; Jan 22, 2012 at 05:06 PM. Reason: Grammar.
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