Checking Harley-Davidson Tapered Wheel Bearings

Checking the condition of the wheel bearings is an action that should be performed at every maintenance check and also when the tire is replaced.
If this check is not performed periodically, the tire will deteriorate and the wheel will "wobble" slightly, reducing driving precision and, in extreme cases, even becoming completely destroyed or even blocking the wheel.

But aren't bearings round?
There are currently many types of bearings, depending on the application in which they are used.

Traditionally, motorcycle manufacturers have used straight ball bearings for their wheels, but until 1999, tapered roller bearings were used on Harley-Davidson models. These bearings are very effective at supporting axial (lateral) loads and require precise adjustment during installation.
These bearings consist of two main parts: a race that is embedded in the hub and a cage with rollers that rotate between the hub race and the inner cone, which is held fixed to the wheel axle.

Checking the clearance
We can perform a first check by lifting the wheel and moving it laterally from 2 opposite points, checking for play.

If we suspect there may be excessive play in the wheel bearings, we must remove them from the vehicle (as always, following the instructions in the workshop manual) and remove the seals, using a universal extractor .

With the seals out, we can now remove the bearings, the internal spacer, and the adjusting washers, if there are any.

With all the components removed from their housings, it is now possible to clean and visually inspect both the bearing rollers and the outer races for signs of damage or wear.

Renewing the hub
If the components we have just checked need replacement, we must use a complete kit consisting of bearings, races and seals .

We have to remove the old tracks using the specific extraction tool, which has two parts that lock onto the edge of the track and are pushed from the opposite side of the wheel.

After cleaning everything thoroughly we can now install the new tracks, using the correct installer.

and ensuring that they enter their housing completely straight.

Before installing the new bearings, we will grease them from the inside with grease for this purpose , which contains additives for heavy loads and repels water.

The next step, which is done with the wheel still off the vehicle, is to insert the internal spacer into the hub and the bearings at the ends,

followed by the wheel axle to which we will give the tightening torque recommended in the manual.
At this point we must check that the shaft rotates freely and that the axial clearance (from side to side of the hub) is between 0.05mm and 0.15mm using a precision gauge.

For a precise fit within these measurements, calibrated washers are available. If the shaft is stiff or too tight, we will increase the thickness of the washers, and if the clearance is excessive, we will install thinner washers until the clearance is within specifications.

Final steps
Now we can remove the axle and install the seals, which will keep the grease inside the assembly and at the same time prevent water or dirt from entering.
We will use an installer to place them completely flat in their housing.

Now we have our wheel hub rebuilt, ready to face many kilometers again in perfect condition. All that remains is to remount the wheel, again following the steps and tightening instructions in the manual for the specific year and model of our vehicle, especially if we take the precaution of not cleaning the seal area with pressurized water to avoid possible rusting of the internal components.

Frank Burguera

#harleymechanics