Wheel bearing question...

[Promagnaman]

I'm getting new tires put on my 2000 Interstate soon and I am wondering if I need to get new wheel bearings put in also. The bike only has 28,000 miles on it. Thanks...

[R J]

If the bearings rolls smooth with your finger in it, it is good to go.

If ya feel some roughness, replace them.

[X Ring]

If the bearings rolls smooth with your finger in it, it is good to go.

If ya feel some roughness, replace them.

+1

Marty

[Jess from VA]

You can only check the sealed bearings by sticking your finger in them (once the wheels are off the bike) and feeling whether they turn freely with no hitches or abnormalities.  This should be done, but is obviously not a foolproof test.  Most attention should be paid to the single row left rear bearing.  You probably don't need them.

If you want to do long term upgrades, you might consider the double-row-left-rear-wheel-bearing-mod (shoptalk).... but you probably don't need to with your miles anyway (though I would recommend it eventually).  Of course, if I was doing the upgrade, I'd change the right side at the same time I did the left (I did).

Assuming you are keeping the bike, I would get a complete set of wheel bearings, front and rear (except get two left double row bearings, for the rear wheel), to have on hand, should any bearing be found wanting at tire change (you cannot depend on them being in dealer stock).  While doing this, you might also order another left wheel collar spacer (not much) to have it cut down at your convenience, rather than waiting to have to rush the one on the bike to a machine shop while the bike is at the shop.  

Short answer is you probably don't need to replace any bearings, yet.  But you likely will, eventually, if you keep the bike, and being prepared with parts is always a good idea.  

[Mildew]

Anybody ever run over 100k on the original bearing???

[Promagnaman]

How much needs to be machined off of the left wheel collar spacer?

[Mildew]

.260 I think.

[X Ring]

.260 I think.

.260" is correct.  Here's the link to my article on the Double Row Wheel Bearing Mod.  http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/5204_bearing_mod.pdf

Marty

[Daniel Meyer]

Anybody ever run over 100k on the original bearing???

145k and still climbing.

(2001 standard)

[Mildew]

  I'm nearing 60k on mine. I have no sign of them going bad. I don't want to be stranded nowhere but I'm afraid to change them  because the new ones might not be as good as the originals

[valkmc]

71,000 on mine no problems yet..

[bigdog99]

changed mine at 71k and kept the old ones for spares.

[Hook#3287]

108K on both sets.  I changed the fronts because I thought they needed it, but turned out they didn't.  That's a long funny story I plan on writting down someday.

[art]

115000 miles or rear changed the front at about 95000 didn't need to.

[Mildew]

Thats comforting news, I been thinking about making a trip this year and didn't want to buy a lot of precautions, I will get some bearings for spares though.

[Jess from VA]

While I'm sure there are plenty with no failures, I am sure there are others with failures.   I'm a member of the latter club.  '99 IS rear wheel dinged beyond repair, replaced with a Pinwall wheel and replaced OE bearings before install (by the shop, at my request), then the left rear grenaded a year later at around 52K (way out in bumfok).   

[Ricky-D]

With proper care of the Valkyrie

Bearings are not a normal maintenance item and will usually last the lifetime of your bike riding experience!

***

[Mildew]

I hope the u joint will last a lifetime too. ya all got me gun shy about going way out yonder talking about all of those mishaps. I will admit, I used to ride wheelies and do burnouts when I first got this hot rod but now I'm patient with it and ride smoothly through each gear before I lay on the throttle.

[MP]

With proper care of the Valkyrie

Bearings are not a normal maintenance item and will usually last the lifetime of your bike riding experience!

***

Yeah, and so are U-joints, and driveshafts, and pinion cups, and wheel dampers, and shock rubbers, etc.
Guess none of us here have ever had fail or replaced any of those items either!  LOL

MP

[stude31]

With proper care of the Valkyrie

Bearings are not a normal maintenance item and will usually last the lifetime of your bike riding experience!

***

uh... i respectfully disagree...  I had my left fail on me at 61k miles.  I have done all the maintenance (tire removal and install), since I have owned the bike w/ 18k miles on her.  I service the final drive as mentioned in shoptalk and I torque the axle bolt to service specs.  So as you would classify this as "not a normal maintenance item".  I choose to disagree. 

I will tell you if/when your bearing fails I sure hope your not on some pretty scenic roadway and find yourself stranded because you believed the above information.  "Walking isn't crowded".

 

I did the double row mod thanks to Marty. 

[Mildew]

Does the double row mod have to go through a machine shop. Why wouldn't a hacksaw, file, tape measure and the eyeball work?

[MP]

Does the double row mod have to go through a machine shop. Why wouldn't a hacksaw, file, tape measure and the eyeball work?

No, but you want to be sure it is square, or otherwise you will be putting side pressure on the bearing, rather than equal pressure all around.  If you do it square, you are good to go.

MP

[Mildew]

Does the double row mod have to go through a machine shop. Why wouldn't a hacksaw, file, tape measure and the eyeball work?

No, but you want to be sure it is square, or otherwise you will be putting side pressure on the bearing, rather than equal pressure all around.  If you do it square, you are good to go.

MP

Thanks. I'll look for a machine shop 1st but If no luck I think I can get it square

[Jess from VA]

It's worth the $20-30 they'll charge to have it perfect. (unless you are more gifted than I on a straight hacksaw cut).

[fudgie]

$20? Dam, mine was free. If he was gonna charge me I figured it about $5. 

[X Ring]

$20? Dam, mine was free. If he was gonna charge me I figured it about $5. 

Mine was $10.

Marty

[Gunslinger]

Anybody ever run over 100k on the original bearing???

I had to replace my rear bearings at 38,000 on the IS (thanks for bailing me out Stude31!). I'm the second owner and she came with 18,000 well documented, maintained, cared for miles. My Standard is over 60k and was abused before I got her still running stock bearings. RoadKill has to be pushing 75-85k on stock bearings.

Maintenance and care has less to do with bearing failure (in regards to the sealed bearings) than it does with luck and Murphy and his laws.

After long close inspection on all of them plus the wife's tourer, I will absolutely be upgrading the rest to double row bearings as required.

[stude31]

Anybody ever run over 100k on the original bearing???

I had to replace my rear bearings at 38,000 on the IS (thanks for bailing me out Stude31!). I'm the second owner and she came with 18,000 well documented, maintained, cared for miles. My Standard is over 60k and was abused before I got her still running stock bearings. RoadKill has to be pushing 75-85k on stock bearings.

Maintenance and care has less to do with bearing failure (in regards to the sealed bearings) than it does with luck and Murphy and his laws.

After long close inspection on all of them plus the wife's tourer, I will absolutely be upgrading the rest to double row bearings as required.

No prob Gunslinger.  Matter of fact I just got in another order of 12 double row bearings to keep in stock so if you need them I got more 

I pay $10 to grind down the spacer, as well.  I need to get an extra spacer so when folks bring their bike to me I don't have to wait to have it machined I can do that later since I have one ready to go.....   

[Jess from VA]

$20? Dam, mine was free. If he was gonna charge me I figured it about $5. 

Mine was $10.

Marty

Yes, well, you guys live in the real world, and I live in never-never-land.

[X Ring]

Anybody ever run over 100k on the original bearing???

I had to replace my rear bearings at 38,000 on the IS (thanks for bailing me out Stude31!). I'm the second owner and she came with 18,000 well documented, maintained, cared for miles. My Standard is over 60k and was abused before I got her still running stock bearings. RoadKill has to be pushing 75-85k on stock bearings.

Maintenance and care has less to do with bearing failure (in regards to the sealed bearings) than it does with luck and Murphy and his laws.

After long close inspection on all of them plus the wife's tourer, I will absolutely be upgrading the rest to double row bearings as required.

No prob Gunslinger.  Matter of fact I just got in another order of 12 double row bearings to keep in stock so if you need them I got more 

I pay $10 to grind down the spacer, as well.  I need to get an extra spacer so when folks bring their bike to me I don't have to wait to have it machined I can do that later since I have one ready to go.....   

Stude, When I did the Double Row Bearing Mod on Sandman, Ibought a used axle with spacer from Pinwall.  Cheaper than a new one plus you have a spare axle if you ever need it.

Marty

[Ricky-D]

That sealed bearings are not a normal maintenance item. (show me different, like a manual or something)

Of course I guess the real problem here is what is "normal maintenance".

Trying to wind between supposition and self promotion it can be easily assumed that bearing failure is not a normal circumstance;
And while admitting that there is actual bearing failure due to causes beyond our control,
I will venture into the nether world and state, that:
I feel a large percentage of bearing failure can be attributed to a self inflicted and unrealized treatment of our own making.

Namely: power washing!

Water intrusion is most likely the main cause of bearing failure and the leading cause of water intrusion is power washing.

And now there are those that want to replace the bearing with a new double bearing;
And leave out the additional water barrier of the seal that is there to protect the bearing.

So now instead of having two seals to protect the bearing you are only going to have one seal to protect the bearing.

Is there something I am missing here?

***

[Gunslinger]

That sealed bearings are not a normal maintenance item. (show me different, like a manual or something)

Of course I guess the real problem here is what is "normal maintenance".

Trying to wind between supposition and self promotion it can be easily assumed that bearing failure is not a normal circumstance;
And while admitting that there is actual bearing failure due to causes beyond our control,
I will venture into the nether world and state, that:
I feel a large percentage of bearing failure can be attributed to a self inflicted and unrealized treatment of our own making.

Namely: power washing!

Water intrusion is most likely the main cause of bearing failure and the leading cause of water intrusion is power washing.

And now there are those that want to replace the bearing with a new double bearing;
And leave out the additional water barrier of the seal that is there to protect the bearing.

So now instead of having two seals to protect the bearing you are only going to have one seal to protect the bearing.

Is there something I am missing here?

***

The seal that is removed is a Dust Seal not a water seal.
Anecdotal information I have gathered is that the wheel bearing which fails most frequently is the one located on the left side of the rear tire. Some people have chosen to replace that single row bearing with a double row bearing.
I absolutely agree that there is no reason to regularly replace the bearings on a set schedule. However, after experiencing a bearing failure you can bet that I won't be traveling very far without a replacement in my tool kit.

My question would be, why does it matter to you how or why someone decides to make modifications to their machine? Has someone been twisting your arm and trying to force you to do the same thing?

I see many people on here trying different things with the Valkyrie and reporting on the success/failure of those modifications. Some make sense to me, some don't. Some seem like they would benefit me and the way I ride, some don't.
I try some things and don't mess with other things.

[Ricky-D]

Here's a quote from Gunslinger:   "My question would be, why does it matter to you"

It matters to me because BAD advice is always BAD advice! It doesn't change to GOOD advice simply because many people do it. 

All that proves is there are people that will take advice from anyone because it's posted somewhere on a forum with little regard to whether it is good advice or not.

And whatever you want to call that seal, I refuse to quibble about it (Honda does call it a dust seal) the fact remains that with the modification to a double row bearing in that location:

The seal is no longer present.  To me that means less protection to that important area!

***

[Mildew]

I'm one of those that take advice from anyone. However, I will put my options in a bucket and go with the one that outweighs the other. So far I'm going with the idea to ride this horse until it falls over. I will blame some of it on laziness and some on not enough time, being married with children. I apriciate everyones advice and I really think about it hard. In the end, I take all the advice and do what I think is best. My IQ score was high enough for me to make my own decission but I'm clueless on a lot of things and think this tech board is the best tool set in my garage.

[stude31]

Ricky,

I appreciate your concerns about removing the "second" seal and your expertise in this area.  I do enjoy reading some of your right ups... (such as you over hauling the final drive, I am intrigued by your success in this matter...)  But some of your opinions I take for just that.  You could be right on the seal going down to one and I appreciate your concern for my choice of modification but it's just that.  I made the choice and I am willing to stick with it.  It's my bike and my choice.  I paid for it and I guess I'm willing to pay for the outcome if it just so happens to fail.  I do believe their comes a point where you have made your point clear to the readers and it's time to move on. 

You choosing to continue to quote and re-post the same claim from the past only looses validity in your opinion.  (that would be my opinion.)   You got your concerns across and it's now time to move on. 

I will be honest if my double row bearing wears out or fails long before this one did  (62k miles).  I will be willing to share that with you.  I have NEVER used a power washer on my bike.  I have been caught in some rain storms now and then on a trip such as InZane and no time to wait out the storm.  And, I do pull and service the final drive and inspect bearings every winter.   As some on here can vouch for me I am Anal about maintenance and preventive maintenance at that.  Matter of fact I have just finished up my I/S from the winter service and ready to ride with no worries.

Please understand as Gunslinger mentioned (no need to quote you have read his posts), we live and die with our own choices.  If I wanted to live and die by someone elses... well we can omit the tech side of the VRCC and just put our trust in the Dealer.  I defer and will continue as I have and help those that need help on their machines...

I'm done with this thread...  Ride on Ricky and I look forward to many more discussions with you on other threads...

Joe. 

[X Ring]

I'm not very worried about my left double row bearing failing from the limited exposure to the elements it gets.  As MP has told me agricultural equipment has exposed sealed bearings and is exposed to more severe conditions than our Valks are.   

Marty

[MP]

I'm not very worried about my left double row bearing failing from the limited exposure to the elements it gets.  As MP has told me agricultural equipment has exposed sealed bearings and is exposed to more severe conditions than our Valks are.   

Marty

True.  I have combine bearings many years old, only the one seal, exposed to all kinds of stuff, especially inside the combine, with tons of straw and chaff going by.  I am NOT worried about the double row bearing mod I did to BOTH my Valks.

I have heard of 50 left bearings failing, for every ONE right bearing failing.  Do what you want.

I do preventive maintanance.  Do it on my farm machines too.  One $50 failure can cost me thousands in lost time at critical moments.

What is the cost of a double row bearing mod?  About $50.

What is the cost of a LH bearing going out  1500 miles from home, on a one week trip?  The inner race welds itself to the wheel.  You now need a new wheel and a new bearing, and a place and tools to do the job.

Cost of new bearing:  $50

Value of NOT having it fail as above:  PRICELESS

As I have heard before:    "You pays your money, you takes your choice."

For me, I will spend the $50 up front.  You are free to do what you want!

MP

[Jess from VA]

I'm not very worried about my left double row bearing failing from the limited exposure to the elements it gets.  As MP has told me agricultural equipment has exposed sealed bearings and is exposed to more severe conditions than our Valks are.    

Marty

True.  I have combine bearings many years old, only the one seal, exposed to all kinds of stuff, especially inside the combine, with tons of straw and chaff going by.  I am NOT worried about the double row bearing mod I did to BOTH my Valks.

I have heard of 50 left bearings failing, for every ONE right bearing failing.  Do what you want.

I do preventive maintanance.  Do it on my farm machines too.  One $50 failure can cost me thousands in lost time at critical moments.

What is the cost of a double row bearing mod?  About $50.

What is the cost of a LH bearing going out  1500 miles from home, on a one week trip?  The inner race welds itself to the wheel.  You now need a new wheel and a new bearing, and a place and tools to do the job.

Cost of new bearing:  $50

Value of NOT having it fail as above:  PRICELESS

As I have heard before:    "You pays your money, you takes your choice."

For me, I will spend the $50 up front.  You are free to do what you want!

MP

The defense rests, your Honor.  

I am NOT worried about the double row bearing mod I did to BOTH my Valks.  t

Me too (two).  And ain't it funny how having the (left rear) bearing grenade way the hell out in nowhere VW can make a believer of you?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I did the double row bearing mod on one of my Valk's and will soon be doing the other two....I've replaced the POS single roll left side on all my bike one of them has been replaced twice....Money well spent IMO ....Ricky D and his forever bearing's 

[GOOSE]

SMOKINJOE...........AND A BIG TEN-FOUR TO THAT ONE!!!!!!!!