When did Harley switch to sealed wheel bearings?

2000
Around 2000, Harley introduced the Twin Cam bikes with front and rear sealed Harley wheel bearings.

Can you replace sealed wheel bearings?

Because it’s all one piece, this sealed bearing hub assembly can’t be serviced. What’s bad is that sealed wheel bearings typically cost more, generally require more disassembly of driveline components, and may require a hydraulic press to remove and install.

How often should you change Harley wheel bearings?

Motorcycle wheel bearings need to be replaced between 20,000 miles and 100,000 miles. In other words, between 3 and 10 years.

Do sealed wheel bearings need maintenance?

If your bearings are sealed, they are maintenance free. But if a sealed wheel bearing has gone bad, it’ll need to be replaced. If your vehicle has open or shielded wheel bearings, frequent maintenance is a must if you want to avoid the kinds of problems that will cause you to need new bearings.

How long do wheel bearings last on a Harley Davidson motorcycle?

Sealed Bearing Life The fatigue life of the rear bearings should go over 470,000 miles (3/4″ ID, 1783# dyn. rating). If the bearing’s a 1″ (2259# dynamic rating), the life should be over 1 million miles. That is, if the grease stays put in the seals.

Do both wheel bearings need replaced at the same time?

Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it’s logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.

How much does it cost to replace motorcycle wheel bearings?

Replacing wheel bearings can cost around $400, so this is a repair you should avoid if you can. Remember that you can often avoid having to replace your wheel bearings completely if you keep your bike clean and dry and do not ride it too aggressively.

How long should wheel bearings last on a bike?

How long should my wheel bearings last? Your motorcycle’s wheel bearings can last for 100,000 miles or more if they’re looked after but blowing the grease out or riding through deep water can shorten their life, as can heavy impacts caused by off-road riding, wheelies etc.

Are there sealed wheel bearings on Harley Davidson?

Tire sizes, especially rear tire dimensions, have grown dramatically. However, for some reason Harley Davidson has begun using sealed Harley wheel bearings that are smaller; not as thick. This has made wheel bearing failure an all too common occurrence.

Why do wheel bearings need to be sealed?

Sealed wheel bearings are supposed to make things easier for us. Now we do not have to pack grease into the bearings like before and this saves us a maintenance step. Here’s the rub, the axle can start to seize to the bearings or the bearing can start to seize to the hub.

How do you seal wheel bearings in FMH?

End of dialog window. This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. This is a modal window. Sealed wheel bearings are supposed to make things easier for us.

What can I use to smooth out bike wheel bearings?

Emery cloth or a piece of medium grit sandpaper can be used to smooth out any rough surfaces. Also, ensure you have the correct bearings for your model of bike, as motorcycles fitted with anti-lock brake systems (ABS) use different bearings than those that are not equipped with ABS.