Good handling on a motorcycle is dependent upon a number of factors, including regular inspection of the wheels and bearings.
Good handling on a motorcycle is dependent upon a number of factors, including regular inspection of the wheels and bearings. While front-wheel Harley-Davidson bearings do not require routine maintenance, they do need to be replaced when they become worn. Evidence of this condition includes poor handling of the front end as well as excessive axle noise. The time required to change a front-wheel bearing on a Harley varies with experience, but will generally take one to two hours.
Instructions
Remove the Front Wheel
1. Elevate the front wheel of the motorcycle off of the ground with a good quality motorcycle jack. Ensure that the bike is stable before proceeding.
2. Loosen and remove the two hex bolts that secure the front brake caliper with a hex wrench. Let the caliper hang loosely on the side of the wheel from the front brake line.
3. Unscrew the front axle nut with a socket wrench. Tap out the axle with a rubber mallet and place it aside in a clean location.
4. Drop the front wheel down from between the front forks and move it to a work bench area.
Remove the Old Bearings
5. Assemble the bearing tool for bearing removal and insert the collet into the inside of the bearing.
6. Tighten the hex nut on the tool with an SAE wrench until the lip makes contact with the bearing, pulling it free.
7. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the wheel.
Install the New Bearings
8. Assemble the bearing tool for bearing insertion. Insert the bearing rod through the wheel on one side. Install the new bearing, washers and hex nut onto the end of the rod.
9. Turn the hex nut on the rod with a wrench to force the new bearing to seat onto the bearing race.
10. Remove the bearing rod and insert it through the wheel in the opposite side. Repeat the process of installing the new bearing.
11. Reinstall the front wheel in reverse procedure order.
Tags: with wrench, Assemble bearing, Assemble bearing tool, axle with, bearing tool
