REAR wheel bearing

[Tundra]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

[Tropic traveler]

Doug, the bearing going out is a direct result of the CT.
It is an early warning sign of an impending flaming death that will occur if you continue to ride on the CT.  

[Tropic traveler]

Seriously, have you done the double row mod yet?
I just did it to the '97. I had that annoying squeak that I suspected was a bearing so I went ahead & changed all the bearings & the U-joint just for the hell of it. Squeak is gone. Bearings had about 40K. One of my techs at work has a machine shop at his house & he cut down an extra spacer that Rick {Flask} gave me to do the mod. He has the spacer from my '97 doing the same to it right now.
Get with Bill & get one of his killer spacers or get with me for a cut down spacer if you need it. I think the double row mod may help if you haven't already.  

[MAD6Gun]

 I have a 97 with 46K on it. I have not replaced the rear bearings as of yet. Should I be worried ?. Have not heard any noise at all.

[Jess Tolbirt]

my 97 had over a 100 thousand miles and never a wheel bearing failure,,,my 98 had 150 thou and it too never a wheel bearing problem...

[R J]

I have a 97 with 46K on it. I have not replaced the rear bearings as of yet. Should I be worried ?. Have not heard any noise at all.

I'm with you Mark.    MGM has 242K and 1 RIGHT rear bearing replaced.   Left is still factory issue.

Also CT has nothing to do with left bearing, I've got more miles on a CT than on a MT.

Now I would appreciate CT's not being blamed for bearing failure.   You are just blowing smoke up a key hole.

CT's were used exclusively on old Harley and Indians and etc.    It wasn't until the British iron hit the states that they changed over to a MT. 

[Tundra]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

Now I would appreciate CT's not being blamed for bearing failure.   You are just blowing smoke up a key hole.


 It was a question...I was not placing blame. I was asking a legitimate Valkyrie motorcycle question.

[tank_post142]

i believe a number of people here put too much faith in Japanese engineers. tell that to the Toyota owners.
  here's my take on the bearing situation: yes a CT puts more stress on the left bearing, your pressure point on the road is moved outboard by inches. thereby changing the geometry of the load on the inherently weaker bearing.
  the reason the bearing is weaker: Japanese drivers ride on the opposite side of the road, putting the load from the crown on the right side, where the double bearing is located, why else would the bother with the extra cost of a double bearing?
  it is pure arrogance that you think this bike was designed with America in mind and even if it were, there is a good chance the person who designed this axle setup never thought about the load being on the opposite side because they probably never visited the USA.

[R J]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

Now I would appreciate CT's not being blamed for bearing failure.   You are just blowing smoke up a key hole.


 It was a question...I was not placing blame. I was asking a legitimate Valkyrie motorcycle question.

Tundra, you mistook my comment or I piss poorly worded it, probably the later.

I was referring to other posts that peole blame CT usage as the problem.   Solly I misworded it Bro.     Nothing meant in your direction.   When I see ya, I owe ya a cold drink of your choice.

[Quicksilver]

I had to replace my rear wheel, the other option was a sleeve because the left rear bearing had worn a groove in the wheel. It was like that from the PO when I bought it. The bearing seemed to be fine so I figured a previous bearing had seized in there and he just replaced the bad bearing with another. Final drive splines were trash as well with that red rusty lubricant so common on poorly maintained bikes. No issues since with the new wheel and bearings with proper lubrication of splines and final drive.

[Daniel Meyer]

160,000 plus miles. Car tire for 150,000 plus miles. Original rear bearings.

[tank_post142]

Dan: i replaced my rears at 167,000 as a just incaser. my odometer stopped working at 342,000 approx 7,000 miles ago. but i have the modified spacer from Grumpy and a double row for next time i'm in there ( just before inzane this year) but i believe i'm may be correct on my theory. Tank

[Tropic traveler]

I think the left rear bearing is a single row due to the perceived need to have it sealed. You will notice that the front bearings have a seal on both sides to protect the bearing. The right rear bearing is not exposed to the elements. HMMMMM.

I still say it's the car tire Doug. 

[Grumpy]

I do not blame the CT, the first bearing I had go bad, I was running a MC tire from day one, left bearing
went south at 19,000 miles. Replaced it with a quality German bearing and have been running a CT most of the time since then, 76,000 miles, so 57,000 on the replacement and it still feels like new. I think some of the original bearings were just poor quality. The next time I pull the rear for service, I will be going to the double row bearing. And Doug, I have spacers in stock, .615 for use with the shield and .625 with out the shield.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I do not blame the CT, the first bearing I had go bad, I was running a MC tire from day one, left bearing
went south at 19,000 miles. Replaced it with a quality German bearing and have been running a CT most of the time since then, 76,000 miles, so 57,000 on the replacement and it still feels like new. I think some of the original bearings were just poor quality. The next time I pull the rear for service, I will be going to the double row bearing. And Doug, I have spacers in stock, .615 for use with the shield and .625 with out the shield.

Do you remember what I bought 615 or 625 I don't have the shield 

[Robdawg13]

i believe a number of people here put too much faith in Japanese engineers. tell that to the Toyota owners.
  here's my take on the bearing situation: yes a CT puts more stress on the left bearing, your pressure point on the road is moved outboard by inches. thereby changing the geometry of the load on the inherently weaker bearing.
  the reason the bearing is weaker: Japanese drivers ride on the opposite side of the road, putting the load from the crown on the right side, where the double bearing is located, why else would the bother with the extra cost of a double bearing?
  it is pure arrogance that you think this bike was designed with America in mind and even if it were, there is a good chance the person who designed this axle setup never thought about the load being on the opposite side because they probably never visited the USA.

Valkyries were designed and built in the USA.  Here's a little write up on the "Father of the Valkyrie" that you may find interesting:  http://valkyrienorway.com/STORY%20OF%20THE%20VALKYRIE.html 

[Grumpy]

I do not blame the CT, the first bearing I had go bad, I was running a MC tire from day one, left bearing
went south at 19,000 miles. Replaced it with a quality German bearing and have been running a CT most of the time since then, 76,000 miles, so 57,000 on the replacement and it still feels like new. I think some of the original bearings were just poor quality. The next time I pull the rear for service, I will be going to the double row bearing. And Doug, I have spacers in stock, .615 for use with the shield and .625 with out the shield.

Do you remember what I bought 615 or 625 I don't have the shield 

Dang, I am the old one that forgets  , It was the 6.25

[bscrive]

Well, I am on my third set of wheel bearings in the back and I have only 31K.  I tried the All Wheels Bearings the last time and they did not last very long.  The seal gave out on them and they no longer spun very well.  I put the oem ones back in last tire change.

[F6MoRider]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

Can y'all describe the sound?  Does it squeal constantly, intermittently, rhythmically or just occasionally?  I recently changed my rear tire, changed the rear brake pads, did all the apropos maintenance and, yes, checked my bearings by putting torque on the bearings and all seemed fine.  Test ride was great and no squeaks.  Within 300 miles I started hearing a rhythmic squeak from the rear left side reminiscent of a brake rotor squeak when the pads were almost completely worn.  The difference being I could quiet the brake pad/rotor squeak by applying the brakes or even shifting the bikes weight to the right.  I cannot quiet this rhythmic squeak by applying the brake or by shifting the weight of the bike.  Nothing changes it except that it gets softer as I slow down. I checked the brakes and they look like they are supposed to look with all the correct parts in the correct places.  My squeak is once per wheel revolution. Squeak, Squeak, Squeak...

Edit: should this be moved to the Tech Board?

[tank_post142]

" Valkyries were designed and built in the USA. "

just so you know. the valk is not a new bike it is a reworked goldwing that was designed in Japan.

[Jess Tolbirt]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

Can y'all describe the sound?  Does it squeal constantly, intermittently, rhythmically or just occasionally?  I recently changed my rear tire, changed the rear brake pads, did all the apropos maintenance and, yes, checked my bearings by putting torque on the bearings and all seemed fine.  Test ride was great and no squeaks.  Within 300 miles I started hearing a rhythmic squeak from the rear left side reminiscent of a brake rotor squeak when the pads were almost completely worn.  The difference being I could quiet the brake pad/rotor squeak by applying the brakes or even shifting the bikes weight to the right.  I cannot quiet this rhythmic squeak by applying the brake or by shifting the weight of the bike.  Nothing changes it except that it gets softer as I slow down. I checked the brakes and they look like they are supposed to look with all the correct parts in the correct places.  My squeak is once per wheel revolution. Squeak, Squeak, Squeak...

Edit: should this be moved to the Tech Board?

check your back seat,,

Victory Vision Squeaking Problem	powered by Aeva

[czuch]

HAHAHA I thought you meant "CT" as in Tourer at first. duuuuuuuuuuuuuuh.
I replaced my rear bearings at 60k on my CT. It turns out that when you wash the best bike available at the pressure car warsh, it gets into the bearings too. Fronts and rears within 5k miles.

[X Ring]

Well, I am on my third set of wheel bearings in the back and I have only 31K.  I tried the All Wheels Bearings the last time and they did not last very long.  The seal gave out on them and they no longer spun very well.  I put the oem ones back in last tire change.

All Balls cheap bearing are made in China and you get what you pay for.  Bearing from top quality manufacturers are not that expensive.  I buy SKF bearings from Motion Industries.  Front wheel bearings cost about $25.  Buying a double row and a single row bearings will set you back back about $63 and doing the double row wheel bearing mod will cost you about $100.

Marty

[X Ring]

I think the left rear bearing is a single row due to the perceived need to have it sealed. You will notice that the front bearings have a seal on both sides to protect the bearing. The right rear bearing is not exposed to the elements. HMMMMM.

I still say it's the car tire Doug. 

Hey TT, then why is the right double row bearing also sealed?

Marty

[Tropic traveler]

I think the left rear bearing is a single row due to the perceived need to have it sealed. You will notice that the front bearings have a seal on both sides to protect the bearing. The right rear bearing is not exposed to the elements. HMMMMM.

I still say it's the car tire Doug. 

Hey TT, then why is the right double row bearing also sealed?

Marty

Good question!
I would assume it would be to keep the factory grease in.

BTW, I'm just teasing about the CT being the cause. My CT experience just taught me how bad it made the bike handle not cause any mechanical problems. 

[Tropic traveler]

I believe I hear the early warning signs of my left rear wheel bearing going again. This will make twice in a 38,000 mile span. Just curious how many others have changed out the rear bearing more than once in a relatively short time frame?
 I am running a CT, don't know if that would make a difference or not?

Can y'all describe the sound?  Does it squeal constantly, intermittently, rhythmically or just occasionally?  I recently changed my rear tire, changed the rear brake pads, did all the apropos maintenance and, yes, checked my bearings by putting torque on the bearings and all seemed fine.  Test ride was great and no squeaks.  Within 300 miles I started hearing a rhythmic squeak from the rear left side reminiscent of a brake rotor squeak when the pads were almost completely worn.  The difference being I could quiet the brake pad/rotor squeak by applying the brakes or even shifting the bikes weight to the right.  I cannot quiet this rhythmic squeak by applying the brake or by shifting the weight of the bike.  Nothing changes it except that it gets softer as I slow down. I checked the brakes and they look like they are supposed to look with all the correct parts in the correct places.  My squeak is once per wheel revolution. Squeak, Squeak, Squeak...

Edit: should this be moved to the Tech Board?

F6Mo, that is the EXACT same noises my '97 was making. It was most noticeable at low speeds simply because road & engine noise drowned out the squeak rather quickly. Anyways, all 4 bearings & a new U-joint have eliminated the problem. 

[fudgie]

Does the 1500 wing have the same bearing like the Valk? I mean as double on right and single on the left.

[Mr Whiskey]

Thanks Tropic traveler & F6Mo. I've got the exact same noise from same location on the 2K/IS at 33k miles. (Darkside for 24k of it.)
Already bought the new factory bearings (and my local "stealer" had a u-joint in stock, can you believe it) so I guess this post confirms it. Time to get off my butt, do the splines & install the new hardware before "Hillbilly Highway".
Peace, & thanks again, Whiskey.

[Tundra]

Same noise, Mine starts out only in hard left handers, then graduates to all the time, then gets louder, then craps itself. I first noticed it two up and could not duplicate solo, but give it time and it will show up solo too...  a clicking noise directly linked to the wheels rotation. Speeds up and slows down with speed of rotation. I also thought it was something with the rear brakes.

[Tim H]

Sounds like you're being tailed by a guinea.

[Garland]

160,000 plus miles. Car tire for 150,000 plus miles. Original rear bearings.

I think Daniel is on to something. Less bike washing = longer bearing life!

[Daniel Meyer]

160,000 plus miles. Car tire for 150,000 plus miles. Original rear bearings.

I think Daniel is on to something. Less bike washing = longer bearing life!

LOL! Could be! But I have a secret. Come to Inzane. I'll show ya!