How do I know if my Harley bearings are bad?

Bad wheel bearings can present as a humming or rumbling feeling or a gritty vibration through the handlebars. As the problem progresses, this can even turn into a sound that you can hear when you are riding.

How long do Harley 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.

How do I know if my motorcycle wheel bearings are bad?

Bad Bearing Symptoms

1. Grinding sound.
2. Slop or side-to-side play (wheel)
3. Hard to turn (steering)
4. Increased rolling resistance (wheel)
5. Resistance when pushing seat down (rear suspension)
6. Click or popping sound when rear wheel leaves the ground (rear suspension)

How much does it cost to replace motorcycle wheel bearings?

Now if you are just replacing the wheel bearing in one of your front wheels, these costs will pretty much be split in half. For the total cost, on average, expect to pay around $130 to $220. The parts will cost between $60 and $100, and the labor will cost between $70 and $140.

Do sealed wheel bearings need grease?

FOR STARTERS, note that most sealed bearings come pre-greased from the factory with a 25%-35% grease fill. This is all the grease the bearings will ever need, because the relubrication interval (explained below) is longer than the expected life of the bearing.

How bad is it to drive with bad bearings?

Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.

How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?

However, a wheel bearing can last an average of anywhere from 136,000 to 160,000 km which is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles.

What does it sound like when wheel bearing is bad?

Squealing & Growling The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.

How do you get a bearing out without a puller?

Steps to take if you want to know how to remove bearing from the shaft without a puller

1. Select the right surface.
2. Apply the vehicle’s parking brake.
3. Use a car jack to raise your vehicle.
4. Place jack stands under your vehicle.
5. Remove the coverings and trays that are in the way.
6. Remove the tires.

What kind of bearings did Harley Davidson use?

Up until 1999, the motor company used conventional, serviceable Harley wheel bearings. These were high quality bearings made by Timken. They were packed with grease and set against a bearing race with a wheel bearing seal on the outside end of the wheel hub to block out the elements and seal in grease.

How do you remove wheel bearings from a Harley Davidson?

A Harley Davidson wheel bearing removal/installer tool (part #94134-09A or HD-44060) or blind bearing puller is necessary to remove the wheel bearings from the wheel. Remove the axles and spacers from the wheel. If working on the rear wheel, separate the sprocket assembly from the wheel and set aside. The brake discs do not have to be removed.

Why are my wheel bearings so rough on my Harley?

Roughness when spinning the wheel is the wheel bearings. Depending on age and mileage, both could need replacing or lubrication/ adjustment. It is a 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Classic with 10,000 miles on it!!!! Wow I’m surprised you have a problem with only 10,000 miles on it.

What are the bearings on a Harley Davidson sprocket?

Being the middle kit ahs only 3 not 4 It would indicate only one bearing on the sprocket. PART No. 12-3951 includes three OEM No. 9276A bearings and one OEM No. 9252 bearing with encode. What I fear is the third choice being an encoder bearing.