Wheel Bearings Harley Wheels & Harley Tire Issues Discuss Wheel Bearings in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; How many miles on front wheel bearing before you need to repack them. Also I am replacing front tread. Do I need to check bearing play if I do not ...

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How many miles on front wheel bearing before you need to repack them. Also I am replacing front tread. Do I need to check bearing play if I do not repack bearings? If I have to check do I need to get a special gauge or is there a way to eye F - it.

Posted by: JCOURNEYAP on Apr 3, 07 5:39:04 am

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Since you will have the wheel off to replace the tire anyway, it's a good time to repack the bearings. It should be done annually, the grease dries up over time regardless of mileage.
When I get everything reassembled and the bike is still on the lift I hold the fork against the stop on one side and reach down and feel for any perceptible play in the wheel side to side.

Posted by: shovelmike on Apr 3, 07 9:09:58 am

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Yup, and I'll expand a bit... There's alota diff spec's to endplay, from .002 to .006", and .004 to .018"... If you have never checked your wheels perhaps you should... If you know what you're feeling for, do it Shovelmike's way, if ya don't you need a dial indicator... If you're gonna be messing with your sickle over the years get the tools you need...
Your book will state the desired end-play... I like .005-.006" on all timken wheels... After packing the bearings, while the wheel is off, stuff the axel through with spacers and tighten to 50lbs, set-up the indicator and check, reeeally easy... A very groovy helper if you want to change your end-play (loosen or tighten) is the Ace of Space, it's an adjustable center spacer, extremely well made and accurate... Yeah baby

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Apr 3, 07 8:32:57 pm

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K. Makes sense. I have been getting tools as needed. Until I get the feel on the wheel I will get a dial indicator. Where can I purchase one?

Another Question. Ready?

I have a 2004 XL1200C. Single Brake caliber in front. I have sets of Standard, Metric 6Pt. 12PT. and Torx sockets. None seem to fit the mounting bolts for the brake Caliber.

A mechanic at the dealership said I needed a 10Pt Socket. 10pt? I have checked Snap-on, Mac, Craftsman and cannot find a 10Pt. Socket. Was he blowing smoke up my @$$ like putting Winter Air in your tires? What is the correct Tool.

Posted by: JCOURNEYAP on Apr 3, 07 8:52:57 pm

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I wuz taught that earl or greese in da bearings messess up yer end plaa meesurment. Y'all gotta do it dry.

Seriously though, all through my years of working on bicycles, mini bikes, motorcycles and even antique steam locomotives, every old school mechanic, shade tree grease monkey and M.M.I Instructor has said the same thing, check and adjust bearing endplay with very clean and dry bearings. Weather they be roller, timken, plain, or otherwise bearings. (poured babbit bearings excluded)

Posted by: dls8 on Apr 3, 07 11:11:00 pm

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could swear that the caliper mount bolts are 10mm 12 point.
It's been awhile since I messed with one though.

Posted by: dls8 on Apr 3, 07 11:16:30 pm

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Yup, dsl8, I've read that too... It just always made sense to adjust it the way it gets used i.e. with grease...
I have thought about it though and assumed that if it was really .008" (doing it the "correct way" dry), well that's not bad either... Never had one go bad...
I've been doing it my way for a looong time, but if JCY is just starting to get the hang of it perhaps he should do it the way you suggest... Learnin to do it yourself is the most important thing...

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Apr 4, 07 1:01:08 am

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Ha! disc8 is talkin in hick tung.. Ilove it, and undurstand every wurd.

Posted by: 94flhtcu on Apr 4, 07 9:51:23 pm

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I wuz in a gufy muud...

Posted by: dls8 on Apr 4, 07 10:16:43 pm

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It should be a 12pt 10mm for the caliper. Now for the wheel bearings. If you have an 04 then you should have sealed wheel bearing not timkin bearing. These do not get re-packed, usually you just replace them as needed. Check your mannual, I believe it is recommended that you replace the wheel bearing at a milage interval around 50,000.

Posted by: Wideglide94 on Apr 5, 07 1:23:16 pm