Changing Harley Wheel Bearings to Fit From a Big Axle to a Skinny One

[@oldamericaniron5767]

I liked when Harley used tapered roller bearings that you could take out and grease. I always recommended to customers that when they needed a new tire it was time to grease wheel bearings. I would mount tire, clean bearings, reinstall with light oil to check end play and static balance. Then remove bearings, clean and dry, repack and install with new seals. I think I could sit and talk with you for hours about repairs on Harleys, especially the unusual repairs.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

👍👍

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Well it's nice to be nice shall we say. But when some manufacturer does something to be workout or whoever it might be it needs to be called out... That's my thoughts..

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. We're all in the same boat, just trying to get it right and enjoy this stuff.

[@scottkinkead6324]

Over greasing a bearing will cause them to run hot , I learned this the hard way working as a mantance man in a large industrial facility . The more precision the bearing the more it's affected by over packing them

[@pacificmike9501]

I'll check them out from time to time. But, I'm really thinking about going back to Timkens.

[@vespam5]

That's exactly right Scott.

[@WilliamDane]

Never heard of a bearing getting hot due too over packing with grease.. what's the industrial facility have any bearing of rotation of a wheel?... I may ask.

[@olskool3967]

i love those handlebars on that yellow frame.

[@pacificmike9501]

They are Flanders Drag Bars on Flanders risers. Flanders still makes the bars and V-Twin has produced copies of the old Flanders risers.

[@southernrebel]

YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I trust the wheel bearing grease I want in my bearings. I do clean out the factory grease and regrease. What you found in that bearing is alot compared to what I have found in most of bearings I installed. That's top shelf professional maintenance, plus that little bit of grease is so VERY IMPORTANT to riders safety!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!safe ridin rubber down

[@pacificmike9501]

Right on

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@jackblack3886]

Thanks for demonstrating the need to check wheel bearings, even new ones. Somewhere along the line, bearings went from open to sealed, and now just shielded. Shielded just keeps the big pieces out. Not water or fine dirt. As was mentioned, please do not pressure wash. I check every oil change plus replace every tire change. Great video! Thanks to the two Mikes!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@mikaldene7146]

This video is just in time for me. I planned on replacing my bearings this Spring when I swap out new tires and tubes. Thanks for showing me how it's done Mike...

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help

[@planefloat]

Oh, and success on your surgery!!

[@pacificmike9501]

A few weeks and the second eye will be done.

[@pastorbobncc365]

My dad had the same bearing packer at his Texaco Station. Always love stopping by the garage have a blessed week my friends

[@pacificmike9501]

You too. And thanx for stopping by.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👋😊🙏

[@KraeseRepairs]

I've seen tons of sealed bearings fail and when you inspect them they look totally dry. So adding grease seems like a good idea. I never thought of it. Thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

There seems to be a lot of pros and cons. Thank You.

[@boscodog4358]

Mike , you may over grease your bearings but I still like your work! Shows a massive amount of "Profesionalism "! Keep up the good work.

[@midnightmc3096]

Professionalism

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate both of you.

[@kurtruppenthal9506]

I've been riding since 72. The only time i have ever needed a tow truck, was in the mountains of Idaho in 2019 when one of these crap bearings failed. It was installed at a rear tire change and had less than 3000 miles on it. Give me a tapered Timken anyday. Thanks for the video, Mike's.

[@pacificmike9501]

I hear you.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@brianvandemortel6710]

Another great video Mike glad to know that about the bearing grease have a good day

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. You too.

[@closertothetruth9209]

glad to hear you'l be able to see even better. its amazing what opthamologists can do.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It's true.

[@midnightmc3096]

ophthalmologists 😊

[@harleydavidson2478]

Hope your next surgery goes well

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It will.

[@SLED649]

Mike! Those things that keep you wondering is the engineer in you! No worries!👍😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@frankbeatty5835]

Been following you for a while, I perked up when you mentioned Huggy over at the Shop, I knew him and Bill Holiday and Garry Hughes over in Camarillo. Those guys are all gone now, so I guess it's ok to talk about them a little. I was just making the scene when I met them. I'd like to hear some of your history, I was around Ventura county at the end of the 70s, good times back then.

[@pacificmike9501]

I lived there for a couple years in the eighties. I had a great time. But, time to go and moved further north. But long term friendships from Ventura.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Hello Mike , I guess any grease is better than none but I like to use high temp disc brake grease in my bearings . Thanks for your great videos Mike and Mike .

[@pacificmike9501]

Great point!

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🏼🙂

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

Hello from Sweden🇸🇪. Thank u for the techtip on sealde bearings👍👍👍. Did not know u could open the seal on a bearing🙂. Good luck with next eye operation. Thank u Mike and Mike. Kjell Blomstrand🇸🇪.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Take care.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👋🙂

[@qtiphead]

You really do keep a lot of information in that head good job thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

I try

[@mikevoll8822]

I too worked in a gas station and learned to pack bearings. I was allowed to work on my own car. About a quarter mile from the shop I noticed my front wheels were considerably ahead of my vehicle. No one told me to tighten the lugs! (1972)? Manhattan Beach.

[@pacificmike9501]

I didn't move to Manhattan until about 81. But I lived in Hermosa in 75 and later.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@woodsontr]

Mike, thanks for the video. Good information. I have a 2004 FLHTCI aka, Electra Glide, that has spiked rims, which I like the look of but I want to convert to mag type wheels so I can go tubeless. I found some good looking used ones that specifically said they had bearings for a 1” axel and I didn’t know of the spacers that can be used. So I learned something new today. I think I learn something new every day. 😉👍

[@pacificmike9501]

It's always nicer if you can use what's supposed to be there, rather than adapt stuff. But sometimes, we can't help ourselves.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@MikeHarp-p6o]

I also like how he pays attention to the smallest of details they are so important he is like the way my dad was. A job done right is a job well done. Thank you for your wisdom 🙏

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@freddie_ray1498]

Mike, if doing dual brakes, it wouldn't matter which side to bottom the bearing first. Another informative video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Check your service manual for your specific dual brake wheel. They're not all the same, right and left.

[@Boston1Mike]

Good Video, I`m changing my wheels on my 93 FXR from 9 spoke to 13 spoke and the 13`s are of a later model Dyna witch are 1 inch Axle. someone told me that they make sealed bearings to convert. the bearing are 2" O D but I could find a 2" OD with a 3/4 ID so seeing the reducer sleeve you go from Throttle addiction real help me out greatly. Thanks again for another great video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help.

[@trevorhalford8410]

I pack the sealed bearing's as well but in my experience. The center of it spin's so I started to remove the seal on the outer side of the bearing so it doesn't ruin the actual sealing edge. 👍🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

Makes sense to me.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@markb3129]

Mike I agree with adding a little extra grease. Seems like if the seal starts leaking it's the same as a bearing with a race it's probably time for a new bearing and seal. JMO. ✌🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

We'll see.

[@shawng7902]

Have to be totally honest. When it comes to how to videos I'm super skeptical. I don't let anyone work on my stuff. But to be 100% stereotypical, that opening shot, the springer and the beard already sold me on your advice lol. In the HD game, you can usually just look at someone and know "oh this dude has been wrenching on them for a while and knows" lol.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I just show the way I do things that work for me. I hope they help.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

A friend of mind that works for Randy's bike repair. Hes out of Pennsylvania and does all the major rallies around the country. Mostly tires but he does everything including engine rebuilds, he has a big setup. Anyhow........ya know at the rallies they sell all those cheap knockoff aftermarket wheels. Many many people roll into his spot needing wheel bearings. Hes told me many times about how those bearing always have atost three small globs of grease in them. Sometimes they dont have any grease.

[@pacificmike9501]

That seems to be what we're finding.

[@MikeHarp-p6o]

I like how Mike uses his bare finger no latex gloves for him old school got to love it.

[@pacificmike9501]

I like to feel these things.

[@ketjukireena2688]

At this day bearings are packed with minimun amout of terrible grease. It does not matter if you buy a quality ones or cheap ones. They all are done the same way. Buy a quality grease and work with those bearings before you use them. Nice work Mike and Mike👌 Keep it strong

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👋🙂

[@dennytuma]

mr. mike sealed bearings are packed with a measured amount of grease when you pack them like that they run hot when i worked in a semi trailer shop the new trailers used grease instead of oil in the axles and was put in at a measured amount too much made the bearings levitate and run hot

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm sure getting some pros and cons. I'm going to have to watch them closely.

[@matthewswartz5864]

I remember that episode when u was dragging the camera man’s bearings down the road.

[@pacificmike9501]

Excuse me?

[@cameramanmike2072]

😂🤣😂🤣👍😎

[@WilliamDane]

I never thought that buying new bearins would end up in the lacking quality. Who can we trust. " I like your inspections". I to take care of tools. Told room .. sign in sign out. Please bring back my tool clean as the way one has received Thank you for the tips.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry. It's reality today. Inspect everything thoroughly.

[@hagarvolkman5415]

Great Video, Mike; Excellent Tip, I'll be checkin the next lot of bearings I put in My Sons & My Bike. Our bikes have ABS, So i take it you could only pull the inside seal on the ABS bearing?? What do you think; Have you packed an ABS Bearing?? Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia. 👍✊😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Not yet, but I'm sure you can get enough in from one side.

[@closertothetruth9209]

weve had alot of sealed bearings fail since theyre chinese made even though theyre a good brand , ive heard it said to pack the sealed roller bearings like a third to half full. weve had grease dry out im wondering if syntheyic grease lasts longer in that regard.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Any information is welcome.

[@IndigenousSteed]

I'm all curious about this same procedure moving down to a 3/4 that axle once took Timken bearings is it the same? is it a shim game? The reason I ask is I have Gilroy Indians that's are all 3/4 Timken. Create content man! Good luck on your surgery.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I'd stick with Timkens and set them up the way Harley shows in their service manuals.

[@IndigenousSteed]

@@pacificmike9501 so can you revert down to Timken bearings from a 1 inch sealed baring hub?

[@ralphtieleman4950]

Hello Mike and Mike ! How are you ? Thank you for this video . 🎃

[@pacificmike9501]

Our pleasure!

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🎃

[@windym709]

That grease heats up, liquifies and swells under load, it will run hot then pop the bearing seals overpacking them.

[@pacificmike9501]

Maybe.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy P-M, ... Thanks ... I just acquired a 2021 H-D Alloy 13-spoke front Wheel with a 1" Bearing Hole ... to ... Be placed on my 1995 H-D DYNA Convertible with a 3/4" Axle ... WOWSER ! = thank YOU for POPPING the Dust Seal off that brand NEW Bearing = Educated now !!! ... COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@pacificmike9501]

Very nice!

[@planefloat]

Hi Mike, any recommendations on converting my '07 Dyna from fuel injection to carburetor? I'm 80 and on a tight budget, and I do 99% of my own repairs. I've searched KZbin and haven't found a detailed explanation. The injection has too many ways of failure and I've been chasing problems for weeks. It's still not running. I've lost the whole season. Thank you, Queasyrider

[@pacificmike9501]

The conversion is expensive, long winded, and complicated. I've done it. You'll need to change the entire wiring harness and eliminate all of the ignition and injection components. Then, you'll need a caburetor and manifold and to modify or replace the fuel tank. You'll need everything for the carburetor, air cleaner, mount, etc. Then comes a complete ignition system. I get the frustration, but you'll be money ahead to have a competent modern "technician" trouble shoot and find your problem.

[@joshuaatkins5197]

Learning lots, thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to hear it!

[@jpwesley2471]

With a sealed bearing there is not as much grease required because when the grease heats up, it’s viscosity will decrease and fill the bearing cavity and will not over pressurize and blow the seal out. What you are doing is creating a condition that will over pressurize the bearing. What you should have done if you are so concerned is repack the bearing and leave the inside seal off. Pack the center section of the hub with grease, old school.

[@pacificmike9501]

Good thinking. Maybe we'll try that.

[@dannyarendall5233]

Mike I had a wheel on my 08 heritage softail heat up and spun in the wheel now I’m going to bore out the wheel and sleeve it : now I’ll pack all my sealed bearings

[@pacificmike9501]

Strange, isn't it?

[@woodsontr]

That was supposed to say, spoked rims.

[@pacificmike9501]

I knew that.

[@vk7408]

Theres not a lot of great knuckle info out there and you do great work so please go extra on all things knuckle...its a lost art so I look forward to your work Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

I'll be showing the heads in rhe next video.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@samhutson3605]

I have a 79 and noticed I have 2 heavy and 2 light lifter springs I was wondering why and were to place them ( yea I got them mixed up) but what would you recommend heavy for intake or exhaust and yes I am referring to lifter springs and yes they are hydraulic! Thank you!

[@pacificmike9501]

I think I would get a new set. Unless, they are simply full and "half full" of oil, in which case they're actually the same as for tension. If not, I'd replace them.

[@gnarfacekillaa]

Mike is it possible to switch from timken bearings to sealed ones for a 3/4 axel on 99 and older Harley? Thanks for your work

[@pacificmike9501]

I haven't done it yet. Not sure.

[@gnarfacekillaa]

@@pacificmike9501 I appreciate the reply

[@thompsonjerry3412]

I would be concerned about the compatibility of the two greases, I think you can buy that blue synthetic grease. Maybe heating the hub would make the install a lot easier.

[@pacificmike9501]

Maybe.

[@rickykeaton9236]

Actually it don’t take much grease because they are sealed. When you overpack them they will blow the seal out eventually and leak and get water and dust in them. When the Bearing is rolling at high speeds with too much grease it throws the grease And puts pressure on the seals pushing the seals out

[@pacificmike9501]

I guess I'll experience that. But, thank you.

[@mulletjocks]

Pack to 70% capacity. Overpacking can lead to overheating.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@rebel_ltz]

Does it harm the bearing in any way to remove, repack and reinstall it with the tool you’ve shown?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. Because you are pushing against the inner part of the bearing to remove it, you are ruining it. If you remove those bearings, replace them.

[@rebel_ltz]

@@pacificmike9501Thank you!

[@warrenp2022]

This Jim's tool seems complicated which I don't normally mind. My question, since the bearings are being pressed in and you have that big hydraulic press in the back room why not use it? I didn't sneak over and measure the press and wheel to confirm clearance so that could be an issue. Good show as always, thank you. KZbin is really showing interest in you, almost more commercial time than video, I have ro keep grabbing the remote.

[@midnightmc3096]

Pay a couple hundred dollars per year and yer never gonna' watch a commercial on here again. Ride Forever!

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow. Thank You. I don't know what else to say.

[@midnightmc3096]

@@pacificmike9501 Yes, Mike, rounded off, it comes to $168 a year. So actually less than what I mentioned. Money well spent in my opinion. But if a brother is down to his last dime, I reckon he’ll want to pass on that deal 😆 From over on the coast ~ Ride Forever! 🦅

[@michaelkoxsolapov8523]

Crazy people hahahaha😀I m

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay by me.

[@michaelkoxsolapov8523]

Not Mr.!Im good boy oou😄oou@@pacificmike9501

[@michaelkoxsolapov8523]

The Boss is here

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Whats up mike..., Another great one! You said, at the begging , that there are 3 size Axles, can you tell me what the standard one is for a 2005 fatboy? ty, I think its 3/4. cause thats the SA wrench i use.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know. There is 3/4", 25 mm, and 1". Measure with any old caliper.

[@mikevoll8822]

I am 74 years old. My mom and me are watching your video when she turns to me and says: "Why is he so smart and you are so stupid!" (She is mad that I can"t keep the pinto running.) Will you be doing a pinto video soon?

[@pacificmike9501]

Tell her to cut you some slack. Pintos are a strange beast.

[@cameramanmike2072]

🥺😶🫥👍🙂

[@michaelyarmie4858]

I also worked in a garage as a kid. And i also packed a lot of bearings. It's going in crooked.

[@pacificmike9501]

Nope.

[@dsjonger]

Companies will use the minimum amount of grease so the bearing will eventually fail sooner then later and another has to be purchased to replace the failed one. Its standard business practice now days, use half the required grease to sell twice as many bearings. I call it ethics of greed. Just my 2 cents.

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate your input.

[@davidson2004fatboy]

3 YEARS AGO VID. HELLO MIKE, DOSE IT MATTER WHICH WAY THE THROWOUT BEARING GOES ON. BOTH SIDES LOOK DIFFERENT. WHICH SIDE TOWARDS SLINGER ? THANKS

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't think there's a preference there. Two races, one bearing.