Hi guys, my previous softail had the old style wheel bearings with oil seals and races and I used to punch them out with a drift and install them with much the same finesse (big socket and a hammer)
Current 2009 softie std has the sealed wheel bearings, is it necessary to have the removal installation tool such as the harley or Jims tool ($350)? Or can I employ my method of hammer, drift and socket.
Looking at me manual all there seems to be in the hub is the 2 sealed bearings and a spacer, is this correct?
I guess I am after anyone who has done the job with or without the bearing removal installation tool, to give me a heads up on the best way to go about it.
Cheers
Robbo
You can get one of these. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N7GZIM/?tag=newauto-20
The Jims one here is $35.95
http://www.amazon.com/Jims-Sealed-Bearing-Remover-Installer/dp/B000LQJ7T8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1
Hey thanks for the advice fellas. Ending up on flea bay and picked a removal / installation kit from the states.
Me 3. Ordered it from same place.
I heard that a particular batch/model of bearing had the issue & that the new HD ones I have had fitted should be ok? Would assume by that if there was going to be an issue it would happen within the first 10,000 or so??
Just pulled the front wheel to replace the tyre and my bearings are stuffed. 17500 Km's.
Let us Know Allde when the "Kit " arrives. I see the AMAZON site now says nil available???
What's the bearing of choice as a replacement.
HD?
NSK?
Others?
Regards
*EDIT* fixed my shit spelling.
For top quality bearings you would want to use the following brands: Federal Mogul, SKF, Nachi or Timken. Japanese made I believe is the best.
Just be aware most of these companies are Global, so they also make bearings in China and Mexico etc, you want the bearings to be made in Japan or Germany, USA is fine too.
I purchase a lot of SKF bearings for high speed equipment at work, Japanese made they seem to last the longest and have the smoothest rotation.
Mine turned up from the states. Got him from flea bay from a mob called " e and i motorsports ". Seems to be good quality, but haven't used it yet. It is the same one used by this guy on you tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFgaqePWauQ&feature=plcp
I know this is an old post but you get that...I bought a wheel bearing removal/install tool and thought I would have a practice run on a spare wideglide wheel that I have...I removed the bearings no problem but with the install do you pull the first bearing(left side) right into the hub until it seats...This is what I did but it seems to be in a long way and when I put the spacer in and install the right side bearing it seems to sit outside the hub...Is this right???
EDIT...Just read the manual and had another go at it and everything is fine...Don't know what happened first time around...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N7GZIM/?tag=newauto-20
This one Hilly...About $200 landed in Australia but had to get it sent to Myus to get it...
If you ever need one Hilly just sing out,I'll send it up to you...I bought it as I have a few sets of wheels with ABS bearings that I want to change and when that's done it will only sit in the tool box until needed again...
Do a search on this site,
"Rear Wheel bearings collapsing"
Look near the end of the thread, will find most of what you need with pictures and diagrams, also don't use pressure cleaners near the bearings as it forces water past the seals and they rust on the inside, found that out the hard way as a kid with my pushbike. First bearing goes all the way in, this is called the primary side of the wheel. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT be the same as the primary drive side of the bike, the primary side of the wheel is determined by one or two groves in the machined face where the pulley or brake disc goes. Pictures in thread above show what they look like. This locates the wheel in the right place. The tool will look cheap if you damage the wheel getting the bearings out or have to do the bearings again.
This topic just keeps coming up.
Bit sensitive there Hilly.
The wheel bearing topic just keeps coming up, Was addressed to the original post and discussion.
Just checked the dates.......
