How To Remove Harley Wheel Bearings | Tool Tech Tuesday | JIMS | Kevin Baxter | Pro Twin Performance

[@SuperBabyBuffalo]

Best wheel bearing removal video, period.

[@KevinBaxter]

Wow, thanks!

[@douglaswinterberg1045]

Awesome and informative Video as usual. Thank you for your time Kevin. I thought I would share a problem with wheel bearings that I personally encountered. While on a 1000 mile trip summer of 2020 I started to notice my voltage gauge needle was slightly jumping and or bouncing. Of course I immediately start to think I am gonna have starting issues and may possibly have to jumpstart my bike at any one of our stops. Keeping a close eye on it, I never had any battery/charging issues the entire trip, although the needle bouncing never quit. As time riding progressed for the next several weeks the bouncing got progressively worse and especially when I had been riding for 30 min straight and longer. Lots of research on HD forums I got many ideas of what could possibly be the cause at lots of labor and money to cost effective do it yourself at home. A certain gentleman’s post said to replace the wheel bearings seemed slightly odd to me but was the cheapest and easiest option for me to do at home. Problem solved! Changed front wheel bearings and DID find one of the bearings would not have lasted very much longer. So if any of you guys/gals are having issues with your voltage meter needle bouncing up and down, please check and change front wheel bearings it could save your life heading in and out of your favorite mountain roads.

[@stuartroberts5809]

I remember a Chrysler tsb in the early 90’s about their fwd vehicles doing the exact same thing with the voltage meter needle not being steady. The bulletin was to check front wheel bearings for excessive wear. Thanks for joggin my noggin.

[@whenim6462]

Excellent video Kevin. Again I learned something new. Thanks. I gave my check to a friend with cancer. She needed it more than I did.

[@t.s.racing]

GOD BLESS you 64 !

[@wjb111]

Sure could have used this tool a couple weeks ago. 2006 Heritage Softail new rear tire install so I figured I would replace the wheel bearings since the wheel was off. Harbor Freight slide hammer style bearing puller. 😤😤😤😤. No way possible. Local cycle shop pulled them for $10 each. Definitely pays to have the correct tools! Great channel Kevin!

[@KevinBaxter]

Right on. Yeah...slide hammer on this....not so good. Good on ya!

[@HDDREAMIN]

Just getting ready to do this on my FLSTFBS with Ceramic bearings and its an ABS! Thanks!

[@smiley4288]

Nothing more satisfying then pulling bearings!!! 👍😎👍

[@michaelmorgan5714]

I could not think of anything near as good as what those 3 winners had. I enjoyed the video as well. Mike from Maryland.

[@jimfroehner551]

Great video…I have a 1999 Heritage Softail Classic with wire wheels…my question is: will this tool remove the bearing races on a wire wheel or is this only for cast wheels?

[@RoadGlideAndy]

Mine failed at 33k in a corner, was not a fun situation. Bike still under factory warranty, and dealer still charged me to replace them. Waiting to see what Harley is going to do. Great video appreciate the time you put into them.

[@michaelwills7884]

So in the immortal words of Clarence Carter instead of love with a feeling love your bearing and Jim’s tool with a feeling lol

[@KevinBaxter]

lol...oh &*#@ Clarence Carter...haha.

[@josephkolter2095]

Excellent attention to details to make things easier, thanks

[@KevinBaxter]

Certainly does. Thank you!

[@61espo]

Excellent series! I always make sure I make time to watch your videos no matter what time I get off work!

[@KevinBaxter]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Stewsdrums]

What a great teacher you are, glad I found you!

[@tcb8295]

Thanks Kevin for the great video with some great tips.

[@KevinBaxter]

You bet. Thank you sir!!!

[@darrell3368]

Thanks for sharing Kevin I love you show. I coming to your shop the next time I am up that way

[@KevinBaxter]

Please do! thank you!

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I really like these Tech Tips video series thanks

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you like them! Much appreciated!

[@rsbharley4766]

Great video Kevin, thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michelles2089]

Im here let’s do this!

[@AlAnomalies]

This guy's got to have crazy peripherals..

[@paulhewson4600]

Nice tip ....Knowledge something that cannot be taken away,,,,,

[@KevinBaxter]

yes sir yes sir. glad i could help.

[@hankhamern5456]

Excellent video, always covers all the bases. Thank you...

[@KevinBaxter]

My pleasure! Thank you very much!

[@resortops5981]

Gday, was a reinstall video already posted?

[@mikedanaher3413]

Awesome information as always. 👍

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks again!

[@sidneysnottley6414]

And .. another great instructional & entertaining vid.... Cheers.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@heritage_cowboy6568]

I've got a 2021 SGS with 5000mi. The front wheel bearings I've got to replace.

[@toolmaker5150]

Great video ! Where is the installation one ?

[@robertscheimann1603]

Can you reuse your old push rods in a new cam install on Milwaukee 8 or is there a difference in base circle. I have adjustable ones now and I feel solid is better with less mass flopping around. I have a mid range cam so nothing to aggressive.

[@Jim_Berry]

What’s the tool # for late model touring wheel bearings? 2019 Ultra for example.

[@michiganborn8303]

Is that 40k - 50k mile recommendation just for non ABS bearings? I have a '17 Road King with ABS and have 2 questions. 1. How do I know when the bearings is starting to go bad? Is there a difference in the ride? 2. How often as a PM should I replace ABS equipped bearings? Currently I'm at 8200 miles.

[@MichaelWilliams-ww2th]

Great explanation as always

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir!

[@ldeanmason1788]

Excellent info Kevin. Thanks

[@kerrylewis2581]

I am pumped about winning that signed Jims T-Shirt. Question: It's not pink with hearts is it?

[@KevinBaxter]

In fact..it is. LOL. Thought it was a cool gift.

[@jackdevine5382]

I am happy I watched this

[@dalewilker6126]

With regards to an ABS situation, I'm curious as to why Harley recommends pulling the 'primary' bearing( left side on front wheel, right side on rear wheel) first, before pulling the regular bearing out from the other side. Is it because the expander collet can get a better grip on the 'primary' bearing if it is pulled first?

[@KevinBaxter]

i cant say i see a reason for this, nor have i seen that instruction. the order they are installed matters but not pulling to my knowledge. now im curious....

[@dalewilker6126]

@@KevinBaxter For example, I checked section 3.8 on page 3-21 of the 2020 HD Touring service manual and in step 2 of the 'Remove' section there is a note to remove the 'primary' bearing first. I've seen it in other manuals as well. Yes I understand why the primary bearing should be installed first during the install procedure but was was curious too about the 'remove' process.

[@KevinBaxter]

interesting...ill certainly look into this. only thought is the shape of the inner race and ability for the tool to grab hold? Thanks for the heads up.

[@HawkQFI]

@@KevinBaxter Did you find out the answer to this? Thnx

[@GunsmithLC]

Another excellent video... Kudos..

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much!

[@billkrasny2977]

Hey Kevin have you ever tried a penetrant called Knocker loose from CRC It is an awesome product. I use it at my shop and I love it. you should try it out.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks for the tip

[@mmusser62]

Awesome video. You’re instruction and tips are great

[@KevinBaxter]

I appreciate that!

[@damberson4698]

I always struggle to remember which side goes in last. Most bikes drive in to the seat. But Harley one side goes in to seat, other goes in to touch the collar

[@dorothyalsobrook1199]

Another great video! D&D

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks again!

[@ryanmcewen6532]

Make sure your spacer are aligned and spaced correctly on each side

[@colesnorris]

Another great video, thank you good sir.

[@kasianosam9819]

Very Nice Video...Thanks Man!!!

[@dannylemarr53]

Can old tapered bearings be upgraded to the newer bearings?

[@KevinBaxter]

yes they can. there are retrofit kits available for that. you pull bearings and race and use a specific axle spacer and sealed bearing. presses right in.

[@dannylemarr53]

Awesome. Can I get that thru you all? Also I’ve got ride wright wheels, will that matter?

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Well I got a few minutes, so I'm taking a brake from planting onion plants to watch this again. Next time you're at JIMS please ask them what the expanding piece is called I'm old and I used to know but.... I have a tool just like that one and I like it better than my old slide hammer one, Besides the fact that it does a better job installing the new bearings than my old hole punch.

[@KevinBaxter]

That would be a collet sir. Now back to those onions! LOL... Thanks for watching.

[@michaelmorgan5714]

@@KevinBaxter Thank you and there's no reason to call me sir, thank you.

[@gasmann6746]

Good stuff Kevin 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir!

[@glennmassengill3532]

Yes Sir good job

[@CapnDrift]

What does "JIMS" stand for?

[@KevinBaxter]

Great question. It's actually the founder's first name....jim thiessen.

[@ryanmcewen6532]

Heat expansion 0.003"-0.005"

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Ha! Thanks number 3 👌

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

And thank you Mr Baxter, a true professional

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you very much! And....thanks again #3! LOL

[@mikekellam365]

DO NOT EVER use Anti-Seize on an axle shaft! A simple light lubrication of axle grease or other "tacking-type grease" is ALL that is required. We're not trying to provide a lube allowing the inner bearing race to rotate upon the axle shaft in an effort to reduce friction. In FACT, you DO NOT want the inner bearing race to rotate REGULARLY on the axle! The design of the sealed bearing is that the inner race remains motionless, and the bearing cage and outer race are the ONLY elements EXPECTED to rotate about the inner race and axle shaft. PLEASE!! DO NOT use anti-seize on axles.

[@KevinBaxter]

I have used, and have seen, both used. Yes there is debate on this topic...and when using anti-seize most over use it. a very light film on the axle and not between the spacers is all thats needed. i prefer anti-seize because of its benefits over grease, it resists galvanic action and protects against rust and corrosion far more than grease. It also stays put better than grease over time and with moisture. Being the inner races are sandwiched between spacers at 60 to 100 lbft torque on the axle, it would take quite a bit of force to rotate them...again...key being not overusing the anti-seize. I don't recall commonly seeing wear from that problem though. Instead, what i do see most commonly, is when grease is used, rust is present between the bearing race and axle. I dont see this with anti-seize. But again...using anything is better than nothing. Thanks for your input!

[@amberbali8881]

As mentioned, anti seize is used for non galling properties. Light smear. I used grease for years, dirt bikes to Harley's and had to pound out an axle one time on my Street Glide. Anti seize ever since and never a problem. Factory manual staes use anti seize and when I reoved the front axle on my 2021 RGS it had a light amount of antiseize on each end where it rides in the inner bearing.

[@ryanmcewen6532]

Never pressure wash sealed wheel bearing and chemicals can destroy and allow foreign objects between the bearing

[@marceltheriault9222]

👍

[@ryanmcewen6532]

25mm = 1" diameter

[@greenmarine5]

FYI 100 in lbs is 8.5 ft lbs

[@metricOIL]

Jim's thinks highly of his tools.... 😆... I found Kwan ching.. he thinks less of his Chinese tool. 😆

[@campnut6076]

Guarantee it too forever to get that hub to 200 degrees with a heat gun.

[@KevinBaxter]

In the real world...LOL....it took about 5 mins.

[@ryanmcewen6532]

100in lbs=100"lbs

[@jimjustice8136]

If you force it in then you might ruin your tool!

[@ATL_Rider79]

Best way to replace a Harley wheel bearing, is to buy a sport bike!