Wheel bearing problem - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

Clayvis · 09-25-2009, 10:01 AM

I have an 07 Fatboy with 13k miles. Had her up on the jack for easy wheel cleaning. Discovered that the front wheel could be wobbled back and forth. Checked all torques etc. Everything was fine. So I guess I need new bearings. Is it normal for the bearings to go bad with this mileage? I don't pressure wash it and have kept up all routine maintenance. Just seems kinda early to need bearings. Anybody else seen this?

gruss · 09-25-2009, 10:37 AM

Clay, we had some posting a while back with regard to wheel bearings going out in range from 5-10k miles...i agree its early...is any warranty available on your bike? if so, get it in.. if not, well i'm sorry on that one...its way to early for bearings....IMHO

Clayvis · 09-25-2009, 01:29 PM

Well it looks like I may have spoken too soon. After I got everything apart, the bearings checked out ok. So I think my problem may be with the spacers. I put chrome lowers on, and I think I need to shim one side. I'm gonna try that. Can't figure out what else it might be. I was under the impression that these sealed bearings would go for 30-50k. Hopefully they will!

XDixiecratX · 09-25-2009, 08:42 PM

Clayvis 30-50 k miles is a long way and you ll go a lot futher on this forum if you ll go to the new to the Community page and introduce yourself.

Clayvis · 09-30-2009, 01:02 PM

OK, I have properly introduced myself. Now you know a bit more about me. I have still not solved my wheel problem. I am taking it to the dealer since I realized I still have warranty left. Will post after I have a remedy.

gruss · 09-30-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayvis

OK, I have properly introduced myself. Now you know a bit more about me. I have still not solved my wheel problem. I am taking it to the dealer since I realized I still have warranty left. Will post after I have a remedy.

good to hear you have the warranty still, it will save ya....g

XDixiecratX · 09-30-2009, 08:36 PM

Blackdog 15 · 10-02-2009, 09:06 PM

I've seen the sealed bearings go bad/dry in as little as 4K miles...when I did my dual disc front end conversion I opted for the Timken taper bearings with seals....I tear it down once a year and check them, then re grease with marine grade grease and install new seals....

Clayvis · 10-09-2009, 09:28 AM

OK, final word on this. Finally got the bike in to the dealer. They replaced the front wheel bearings ($21.80 each). It was covered under warranty. Of course, I did not get to talk to a tech. This is one of those busy places where the techs can't be bothered talking to you. The service writer didn't even know what a wheel bearing was! Anyway, I'm not sure if the bearings were bad, or just the wrong size. The ones they put in were 25mm inside diameter. The old ones seemed ok to me, but the replacements fixed the problem. So, I learned that Harley wheel bearings can be a problem with fairly low mileage on them. Gotta check them regularly!

**Dave63** · 10-09-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayvis

OK, final word on this. Finally got the bike in to the dealer. They replaced the front wheel bearings ($21.80 each). It was covered under warranty. Of course, I did not get to talk to a tech. This is one of those busy places where the techs can't be bothered talking to you. The service writer didn't even know what a wheel bearing was! Anyway, I'm not sure if the bearings were bad, or just the wrong size. The ones they put in were 25mm inside diameter. The old ones seemed ok to me, but the replacements fixed the problem. So, I learned that Harley wheel bearings can be a problem with fairly low mileage on them. Gotta check them regularly!

Your wheel inner spacing, via the hub shim pack and tube, was wrong, and was corrected when the new bearings were installed.

At least it's fixed.