Harley Davidson Wheel Bearings Problems: How to Tell if They’re Bad

Harley Davidson wheel bearings are not immune to problems. In fact, they can fail just like any other type of wheel bearing. If you’re experiencing issues with your Harley Davidson, it’s important to determine whether the problem is with the wheel bearings.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if Harley Davidson wheel bearings are bad and three common faults that can occur with them.

Harley Davidson Wheel Bearings Problems

Harley Davidson wheel bearings can suffer from several problems, including:

– Excessive play or looseness in the wheel

– Grinding, growling, or whining noises coming from the wheel

– Uneven tire wear

– Vehicle vibration or shimmy

– Difficulty in steering

If you suspect that your Harley Davidson wheel bearings may be failing, it is important to have them inspected and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Wheel bearing failure can lead to serious safety issues, so it is not something that should be ignored.

How to tell if Harley Davidson wheel bearings are bad?

There are a few signs that you should look for if you think your Harley Davidson has bad wheel bearings:

-Excessive noise coming from the wheels

-The wheels feel loose

-The wheels grind when you turn them

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your Harley Davidson to a mechanic as soon as possible. Only a qualified professional can properly diagnose and fix the problem.

What to do if your Harley Davidson wheel bearings need to be replaced?

If your Harley Davidson wheel bearings need to be replaced, it’s important to take them to a qualified mechanic. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to replace the bearings properly.

Trying to replace them yourself could further damage your Harley Davidson, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

But if you want to do it yourself, here is your guide.

Removal

Harley wheel bearings are a pain to remove, but with this simple step-by-step guide, you’ll have them out in no time.

First, remove the wheel from the bike. If there is a hub plate on the opposite side of the front brake disc, remove that as well.

Next, hold the end of the forcing screw and turn the collet to expand the edges of the collet.

Once the expanded collet has gripped the bearing edges, hold the end of the forcing screw and turn the nut to remove the bearing from the wheel.

Remove the spacer from inside the wheel hub and repeat the process for the opposite side bearing.

Discard all bearings upon removal.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully removed your Harley wheel bearings.

Harley Wheel Bearings Installation

Now that you’ve removed your old Harley wheel bearings, it’s time to install the new ones.

Removing the old bearings is the most challenging part of this procedure. It’s significantly easier to install new wheel bearings.

First, ensure that the location for installation is clean and free of debris. If needed, use a file to scrape off any remnants.

Now, you must change the installer to install the new bearings.

You may now install the new bearings, but don’t forget to add the spacer. Attach the bearing on the opposite side after installing the spacer.

Tighten the axle nut to secure the bearings in place. Harley recommends using Loctite on the threads.

Check that the rotor turns smoothly without wobbling before putting everything back together.

If everything goes well, you have successfully installed new Harley wheel bearings! Congratulations.

You can watch this video as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Harley wobble at high speeds?

If your Harley Davidson is wobbling at high speeds, it could be due to several different issues, including:

– Worn out wheel bearings

– Incorrect tire pressure

– Worn out suspension components

– Loose steering components

It’s important to have your Harley Davidson inspected by a qualified mechanic if you are experiencing any wobbling, as it could be a sign of a serious problem.

Can I drive my Harley Davidson if the wheel bearings are bad?

If your Harley Davidson wheel bearings are bad, driving is not safe. Driving with bad wheel bearings can cause them to fail completely, leading to loss of control and a serious accident.

How often should I replace my Harley Davidson wheel bearings?

Harley Davidson recommends that you replace your wheel bearings every 50,000 miles. However, if you notice any problems with your bearings, it’s important to have them inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

What are three common faults with wheel bearings?

If you’re experiencing Harley Davidson wheel bearing problems, three common faults can occur:

-The bearings can become loose, causing the wheels to wobble.

-The bearings can become seized, causing the wheels to lock up.

-The bearings can wear out, causing the wheels to grind.

These problems can be serious and, if left unchecked, can lead to disaster. That’s why it’s important to know how to tell if Harley Davidson wheel bearings are bad.

How much does it cost to replace the wheel bearings?

The cost of replacing Harley Davidson wheel bearings will vary depending on the model of Harley Davidson and the severity of the problem. However, it’s generally a good idea to budget for around $200-$500 for the entire job.

Final Words

Harley Davidson wheel bearings are an important part of your motorcycle. They help to keep the wheels turning smoothly and prevent wobbling. However, they can sometimes become worn out or damaged. If you think you may have Harley Davidson wheel bearing problems, it’s important to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Do you have any questions about Harley Davidson wheel bearings? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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