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Wrong Wheel Bearings in Wheel

Alycat

Member
Hey guys, I hope someone has some info on HD wheels and bearing sizes. I have a used HD 16" spoke single disc wheel. It came to me with 3/4" bearings. I noticed the bearing on the rotor side did not seat below the surface of the hub like my other wheel. So, I pulled it out and discovered no spacer. The hole in which the spacer passes through is much larger (1+5/16" approx) than my 3/4" spacer, so I figured it either takes 1" or 25mm. How can I tell which bearing this wheel came with from the factory? There's no part# on the hub. Any info is appreciated.
 
Are these sealed or conical bearings? I don't know of a way to tell what bearing the wheel came with. Even though Harley has axle sizes of 3/4", 1" and 25mm, the OD of the bearing is the same.
All Harley wheel bearings that I'm aware of are 52mm o.d. x 21mm thick x axle diameter.
 
True, but the depth of the bore is different as well as the hole for the spacer is different.

They are sealed bearings.
 
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Ok, just got back from my local indy. I can use 3/4" sealed bearings in this wheel even though the center bore for the spacer is for a 1". It gets confusing when you get too many conflicting answers from people, including HD dealers. I'm all set now. Thanks for the input Breeze.
 
Latest update for those interested: My wheel is a Factory HD 16" single disc spoke wheel made for 1" sealed bearings. I installed 3/4" sealed bearings and spacer and the spacer is TOO SHORT. The reason, I believe, is because the bearing on the rotor side (left side) sits above of the hub surface on the 1" wheel (factory wheel w/1" bearings) and the bearing on the 3/4" wheel (factory wheel w/ 3/4" bearings) sits below the surface of the hub on the rotor side (left side). So, it's this difference that makes the 3/4" spacer too short. The spacer must contact both bearings. So unless someone makes a longer 3/4" spacer specifically for this change, you can't put 3/4" bearings in the 1" hub. When I bought this wheel, I thought I was buying a factory wheel made for 3/4" bearings but, when I received it I neglected to check it out closely until months later. That's when all the fun began! I noticed the bearing appeared to be high on the rotor side. After pulling the bearing, I found the wheel had no spacer at all. It also had a larger center hole, clearly for a larger spacer, which led to the differences between the two hubs and how the bearings seat. If anyone has any info pertaining to this change over, I'd like to hear it. Perhaps I'm missing something, it wouldn't be the first time! Thanks
 
Ok, further update: I talked to a Harley Wheel specialist. He thinks my wheel was made to fit 25mm bearings because the depth is different on each side of the hub. The hubs made for 1" bearings are the same depth on each side like the 3/4" wheels are. I ordered a custom length bearing spacer 4.875" long for 3/4" bearings to fit in a 25mm wheel. The only other thing I will need is a shorter axle spacer on the rotor side for the wheel to line up correctly between the forks. I hope this is it!
 
Well, 4.875" is too short, needs to be longer.....what a hassle! Maybe if my brain cells would get along, I'd get the measurement right?!!...sucks gettin' old!
 
on another note regarding Wheel bearings... I've got a 2010 Ultra that I bought new from a dealer. I keep hearing a "scraping sound" from the front wheel that has to be the wheel bearing. It's not very loud, but I hear it and it bugs me. Anyone know of a problem with front wheel bearings or is this this something I should just not worry about? I ride long distances and just want to avoid a breakdown far from home.
 
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on another note regarding Wheel bearings... I've got a 2010 Ultra that I bought new from a dealer. I keep hearing a "scraping sound" from the front wheel that has to be the wheel bearing. It's not very loud, but I hear it and it bugs me. Anyone know of a problem with front wheel bearings or is this this something I should just not worry about? I ride long distances and just want to avoid a breakdown far from home.

The noise could be from the front brake ie the rotor against the brake pads if there is a small amount of warp in the rotor you may here it without affecting breaking
Lift front wheel off the ground spin wheel listen for sound you could also grab top and bottom of wheel and try and twist it any give in the bearing would be felt

Brian
 
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