| Author | Message | ||
     Yan |
Rear bearing (belt side) is shot (~19k miles). Does it have to do with me installing a new belt a few days ago after the previous one snapped? Don't know, but I do know that I followed the torquing protocol in the service manual to the letter. Anyways, my question is this - looks like some special tools are required to remove the old bearing and install the new one - is it something that is H-D specific and I should take my bike to a friendly neighborhood H-D dealership or can I take it to any bike shop? Or may be even I can take it to my car mechanic? Never had to deal with bearings, so any information would be much appreciated. Thanks! | ||
| Uly_man |
"Does it have to do with me installing a new belt a few days ago after the previous one snapped? Don't know, but I do know that I followed the torquing protocol in the service manual to the letter." I would not have thought so. The bearings are a pain to get out. They should be taken out with a "blind bearing" puller but they cost a lot, at least here anyway, and they can be very tight/seized to remove. The bearings should be fitted with a hydraulic press. Other methods have been used though. Change both sides and the spacer. | ||
| Andymnelson |
After doing the bearing install with a local Bueller at "the men's crisis center", I would NEVER trust a dealer to do bearings on my Uly. The process is very specific, and many do not understand it: Seat one bearing lightly (I think the rotor side first?) Install spacer LIGHTLY seat the other bearing to the SPACER (NOT to the wheel!!) Properly grease and torque the axle It is very simple, yet so easy to screw up if you don't know what you're doing. Screw it up, and you'll be putting in new bearing again in a couple thousand miles... | ||
| Yan |
Thanks. What's the rational for changing the spacer? I am sure it doesn't cost that much and if the local dealer has them in stock I'd happily change it but if it's back ordered is it really that critical to change the spacer as well? Thanks! | ||
| Rcf2 |
Just replaced mines and believe that only the bearing seals are not enough to handle water pressure on washing. Wrapping something on the axles anytime need to wash from now on. | ||
| Hughlysses |
...if the local dealer has them in stock...  Sorry, but I'd say there is NO chance of that. The logic in replacing the spacer is that it's a cheap part that's critical to the bearings lasting. If the spacer has been "crushed" by over-torquing the rear axle, the dimensions will be off (too short) which may result in the bearing outer races seating before the inner races touch the spacer. Then when you torque the axle you're applying a permanent side-load to the bearings (inner races not aligned with outer races) which may make the bearings quickly fail. A simple check is to just measure the length of your existing spacer- check the length after you remove it. According to Al Lighton, it should measure: Rear Spacer Tube: 202.8 +/- 0.05 mm, 7.984 +/- 0.002 inch (Note- This is for a 2006-2009 type rear wheel.) As long as the spacer is within spec, you don't need to replace it. BTW- don't forget this thread in the Uly "new owner's" section for all rear wheel bearing info: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442488.html?1345399487 | ||
| Buewulf |
Don't know about Canada, Yan, but here I can rent a quality bearing puller for $3.00 from the local autoparts store. | ||
| Yan |
Thanks everyone! I took the wheel to a great guy who does bike tire changes and he said he'd do it over the weekend. He takes his time and really does things right. I am sure he'd do a better job than me  As for the dealership - I went there and asked for a spacer. The guy at the parts counters says - there is no way we have one, goes to the back to double check, comes back and says 'man, go buy a lottery ticket, because turns out we have one spacer in stock and I couldn't believe it myself' So I did get a spacer in the end. |
