| Author | Message | ||
     Dio |
I'm wondering about a couple of things. What brand were the bearings (black seals) on the replacement program. Second, are all of the bearings with the orange seals the NTN brand(as mine are)? I don't know if NTN is a Taiwan only manufacture, or are they also produced elsewhere. I checked today with the local bearing supply company, and they swear by the Nachi brand for quality and consistency. These are Japanese made. They also verified the earlier statement about SKF being made all over the place and a lack of consistency within the brand. Has anyone taken the time to verify the manufacturer and country of origin on the failed bearings? Anyone have any experience to relate about the Nachi brand? | ||
| Dio |
I may have found a partial answer to the wheel bearing failure issue. On the NTN website: http://www.ntnamerica.com/search.asp the 6006LU stock bearing on my 6/06 production Uly, shows a double contact seal on ONE side! That would explain some of the observations of water in the bearings which would be able to enter the cavity where the bearing spacer is by getting in between the axle and the bearing i.d. What if, just perhaps, some small metal filings from the bearing spacer (possibly rotating on the axle after installation) happened to enter the bearing from the unsealed side? Am I off my rocker here? | ||
| Bobbuell1961 |
Dougm, i too felt my rear bearing where hard to spin on my last tire change at 19k+ (front was nice & smooth) so due to threads such as this i replaced them. once new bearing(made in japan) where installed the new bearings felt just like the old. for peace of mind pop out the seals and have a look and if clean run them. | ||
| Xbimmer |
On the NTN website: http://www.ntnamerica.com/search.asp the 6006LU stock bearing on my 6/06 production Uly, shows a double contact seal on ONE side! Thank you for that Dio!  Unbelievable... all this time I thought they were double-sealed. Hell if you take a flashlight and look at the back of a front bearing through the wheel casting holes you can see air and the inner race! Bad enough being Taiwan bearings, but half-sealed? Not happy here... | ||
| Keyser_soze |
I haven't checked mine yet but I wonder if this is something the NTSB needs to look into as a safety recall item and have Buell replace the bearings with something better. I could see this as being a significant safety hazard. Like many others here I have never had to replace bearings on any of my bikes over the years. It does seem as though the bearings on the Uly are substandard and only half sealed. Has Buell had any bearing problems on any of the other XB bikes? | ||
| Xbimmer |
Called a dealer that actually had the 6005LU fronts in stock, parts guy said they had orange seals on both sides... seems to be discrepancies here, although parts guys sometimes make mistakes. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
I ordered a set of Koyo's - i think i'll change them out with the first rear tire change - unless they fail prior to that. Koyo Link: http://www.applied.com/apps/commerce/catalog/catal og.do?e=10&s=4021061 (Message edited by johnboy777 on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Okay, I've been following this thread with great interest. Does anyone know if this issue extends to '08 models? I have an '08, the wheel bearings have red seals. I have not had either wheel off yet, as far as I know, at 2000 miles, all is well. Mark | ||
| Teeps |
Xbimmer Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008 Unbelievable... all this time I thought they were double-sealed. Hell if you take a flashlight and look at the back of a front bearing through the wheel casting holes you can see air and the inner race! That's not the inner race. What you are seeing is the distance collar, that fixes the space between the inner races. | ||
| Jlnance |
Mark - The 08's haven't been out long enough to really know. I don't recall hearing anyone with an 08 talking about failures. Are you seals Red or Orange? If they are Red, then it has different bearings than my 06. | ||
| Dio |
Just a couple of points of clarification here: I haven't tried to read the number on the front wheel bearing yet, as I don't know if you can read it since the o.d. is smaller and it is so close to the fork leg. According to the NTN website the LLU suffix denotes seals on both sides. Since I haven't actually removed the rear wheel bearings to confirm whether or not they have seals on both sides, all I have to go by is the LU suffix (as it appears on the bearing on my wheel), which denotes seal on on side. The bearing spacer is visible on the front wheel, so it is plausible that the fronts are sealed on both sides. | ||
| Arcticktm |
Dio, The NTN's on the Buell (my '06 Uly, anyway) are technically LLU's and sealed on both sides. Not sure why they are sometimes called/marked LU. I really do not believe this is a bearing quality problem. I think it is asking too much to make the bearing seals be the only barrier to debris and water. You won't see this design on too many vehicles that go through bad conditions (dirt bikes, some other street bikes). I also do not believe the problem (at least mine) is due to any kind of torque issue on the rear axle. Over torque should only result in excessive axial load on the inner race, which would show itself with unusual bearing wear/failure. My issue is just plain old water intrusion past the seals (even w/o pressure washing). Occasional re-greasing (at least with each tire change) will now be on my list, as well as being extra careful about pointing the hose anywhere near the axles. Before we get too focused about Taiwan bearings (and no, I am not a huge fan either), check out where our wheels were made. China. (though I believe they may have re-sourced recently for '08 for at least the 1125). It is hard to avoid these days, even for H-D. The key is to be careful about sourcing high tech or sensitive parts to the 3rd world. These types of bearing are pretty standard stuff, and hardly new technology. Then again, maybe another brand has a slightly better seal arrangement, so I am trying another big name brand, like others have. Time will tell. No one seems to make any true double lip seal on a bearing this small (narrow). That is probably why the dirt bike guys use exterior separate seals on the outside of their hubs, to protect the bearings. This weekend, I will try to forget about bearings, and change my Uly to the XB9 gearing for some better low speed driveability. | ||
| Motomania425 |
Does anyone have the correct "size" for the allen wrench for removing the rear axle? I measured 7/8" and plan to purchase a tool tomorrow from NAPA Auto if this size is correct. ThanX for the torque figures, Arcticktm. I have not invested in a service manual yet. This site is a great help. Motomania425 | ||
| Jlnance |
There should be an axle removal tool in your toolkit. It looks like a big brass double hex head. | ||
| Jlnance |
I really do not believe this is a bearing quality problem. I think it is asking too much to make the bearing seals be the only barrier to debris and water. You won't see this design on too many vehicles that go through bad conditions (dirt bikes, some other street bikes). The only thing is that people who don't ride off road, and don't powerwash their bikes have had bearing failures. Presumably these are the same type of bearings used in the other XB bikes, which do not seem to be prone to bearing failure. | ||
| Xbimmer |
That's not the inner race. What you are seeing is the distance collar, that fixes the space between the inner races. Teeps, nope. I see a clear definition of the end(s) of the axle spacer within the wheel casting, in the recesses for the wheel bearings, up against what I'm assuming to be the backside of the inner race of the bearing. The fact that I can see anything in there at all is my problem, and the gap isn't consistent on either side. Frankly I'm not impressed with my Chinese Enkeis. Since new I've noticed that although the outer of the rim seems to spin true, the hub of the casting rotates elliptically. Although it appears they bored true for the bearings, the off-center casting at the hub could be the reason for the bunch of balance weights required up front. Not something I think about much, just reminds me of the sloppy casting of Chinese brake rotors for cars sold at some chain auto parts stores... | ||
| Xbimmer |
For what's it worth, I've contacted and received a reply from a vendor who's contacted NTN and it may be possible to purchase the LU seals for our NTN 6005/6006 bearings. He wants to know what quantity I'm interested in. If these things could be had for a couple of bucks each I'd feel much better about just tossing the old ones when regreasing the bearings. Repeated r&r can't be good for the seals. | ||
| Dbahm |
xbimmer, If you're looking for others to throw in to get an order together, count me in for at least one set. Thanks. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Jlnance, In the garage, the seals looked to be red. Outside in daylight though, they appear to be pretty orange-ish. Mark Mark - The 08's haven't been out long enough to really know. I don't recall hearing anyone with an 08 talking about failures. Are you seals Red or Orange? If they are Red, then it has different bearings than my 06.} | ||
| Ejbeert |
i came across this in the latest cycle world mag worldwide bearing | ||
| Firstbatch |
Are the Front and Rear Bearings the same part number/size for the '06 Uly when purchasing the Koyo brand? | ||
| Teeps |
The '06 Ulysses parts catalog lists 2 different part numbers for front and rear wheel bearings. Front E0004.02A8A X 2 Rear E0005.02A8A X 2 | ||
| Johnboy777 |
2007 Buell Parts Catalog (looks the same): Front Wheel Bearings (2) E0004.02A8A Rear Wheel Bearings (2) E0005.02A8A | ||
| Dennis_c |
My front wheel bearing seal is red on my 08 | ||
| Glenn |
We should think about a group buy of some high quality replacement bearings although I don't know where to start. | ||
| Firstbatch |
Is there a sure way to confirm the part number for the Koyo for the front and rear are the same? Seems most have done the rear. I am getting ready to powder coat rims so will go ahead and replace both. | ||
| Jlnance |
Firstbatch, they are NOT the same. The fronts are 6005s and the rears are 6006s. Here is a 6005 koyo from applied: http://www.applied.com/apps/commerce/catalog/catal og.do?e=10&s=4021056 | ||
| Firstbatch |
Thanks Jim | ||
| Joypipe |
I have a 2008, Blue XB12X with 3,400 miles.. I have to replace the rear tire as it is time. I've had no bearing problems so far. Not that I'd know what to expect if they are about to fail. Is there something to watch for if they are going to fail? Any other advice for a new motorcyclist? I ordered the Service Manual for 2008 Buell when I bought my bike over 6 months ago but the dealer still hasn't received one. Anyone have a 2008 Buell service manual out there? THANKS! | ||
| Court |
Thou hast been the victim of poor information . . . goeth verily and with haste to thine dealer and declareth . . . "Al Gore's internet doth foretell of Buell manuals arriving days after being order, thou hast wronged me by speaking untruths. . . " You'll be looking for Ulysses Service Manual and Parts Manual. If you are a bit made at your money, opt for the P/N 99493-08Y Electrical Diagnostics Manual. Short of a Fender catalog there is no better friend in the bathroom. And . . . since you are a new rider. . . save a few $$$ and order a copy of PROFICIENT MOTORCYCLING. by Hough and read it as if someone were trying to kill you and it were your sole defense. Ride safe and have fun with your Buell. If you dealer tells you anything but "we'll have those in a couple days" drop me a note and I'll get you loaners while you wait for yours. They are in stock, ready to ship. Court  |
