| Author | Message | ||
     Smac |
So, it was time to replace the tires on my Ulysses XT. I removed the rear wheel and examined the bearings. They seem a bit notchy and the drive belt also has a few questionable areas. I figured since I had everything apart, I might as well replace the "orange" bearings & replace the belt...just to be safe. After I priced the belt ($180), my thoughts changed a little. The bearings aren't so bad ($33 plus removal/installation). From what I understand, the bearings & belt are warranty items. If I take the wheel and belt into the dealership, will they warranty the items now due to the wear & tear or will I have to wait until the belt snaps & the bearings fall apart? My warranty is good thru 3/28/11. Thanks for the help! | ||
| Andymnelson |
Maybe on the bearings...but if they have not actually failed I would doubt it. Almost positively no on the belt, unless it breaks. | ||
| Dfishman |
My original bearings(27000 miles)appeared notchy the first time I pulled my rear wheel.I popped off the seals & wiped out the old grease & the balls looked new.I regreased & popped the seals back on.I have done this on every tire change since.I just did this yesterday & they still look like new,but the feel notchy when turned by hand.You do not feel this when rotating the wheel.Just my experience,others might be different. | ||
| Froggy |
I had my bike in for a tire change and asked them to check the bearings, they were a little notchy so they swapped them no questions asked. Belt - Short of it breaking or missing teeth, you won't be able to get it covered. | ||
| Mnrider |
When I did my first tire change at 5000 miles my bearings felt a little notchy so I took the seals off and greased them up. I feel better about it now knowing Dfishman had the same thing and they lasted. | ||
| Smac |
Thanks for the feedback gang! The dealership was closed today (my luck). I talked with Al at American Sportbike...he told me how to check the bearings properly by putting my thumbs on the bearing and rolling the wheel/tire on the ground...checking for any notchy feeling. With this procedure, I don't really feel anything abnormal. I may remove the seals & grease them up like you have suggested...just concerned about how well the seals will work after removal. My belt is not broken nor is it missing any teeth, just some light cracks/marks so I guess I'll throw it back on...maybe buy a spare & bring it along on big trips. My whole thought on this was that it was real chore getting that rear wheel & belt off and I didn't want to go it again anytime soon. I've removed many wheels from many different bikes and have never run across a system that was so complicated & cumbersome. I can remove my CBR929 tire in about 15 mins with 3 tools...I don't even want to tell you how look it took & how many tools I had to use on the Uly! I should be quicker next time I hope! | ||
| Froggy |
I guess you didn't read the service manual. I personally have swapped off the entire rear rim with a different one in half an hour including reinstall. And I am the person that needs 2 hours to remove the muffler. Read some threads on here about wheel and belt removal, it is simple and easier than most other bikes. Remove pinch bolt, rotate wheel backwards 15 turns, slide belt off, remove axle, remove wheel.  (Message edited by froggy on June 07, 2010) | ||
| Hughlysses |
I'd try to get the dealer to replace the wheel bearings. If he won't, I'd order a set of spares and have them on standby. On the belt, like everyone's said, the dealer's likely not going to give you a new belt until the old one breaks. I'd recommend that you go ahead and order a replacement. If your belt breaks, you'll have one available and hopefully you can still get the dealer to get you another to replace your broken one. | ||
| Smac |
Froggy, I meticulously read the service manual. When it said "remove chin fairing", I thought to my self...to remove the rear wheel...you gotta be f-ing kidding me! But you have to remove the fairing, to remove the front pulley cover, to remove the belt tensioner assembly! Then on the Uly and some others, you have to remove the right side footpeg mount to remove the darn assembly! It even says you have to remove the rear fender...which I never had to. Oh yeah, I read the shop manual! lol! I learned some shortcuts along the way, so I'm sure I'll be faster next time. | ||
| Dfishman |
Oh yeah,I forgot to tell you.The reason my bearings are lasting so long is................................................ .................................................. .......because I have spares under the seat. | ||
| Mnrider |
I better get some spares! | ||
| Ourdee |
If you get spare bearings don't forget to get a new spacer that goes between them. | ||
| Discochris |
The belt will likely only be covered if it actually breaks. Even then, I had to put up a bit of a fuss before the dealer covered mine. | ||
| Dfishman |
You don't have to remove the chin fairing or the pulley. | ||
| Smac |
Well, after getting the rear wheel back on last night, I went thru the shop manual and redlined some items for removing the rear wheel...basically the removal of the chin fairing, pulley cover, pulley assembly, right side footpeg mount & rear fender. None of that stuff has to come off & the rear caliper is questionable. Now I see how you guys change out a tire so quickly! Thanks for the help! | ||
| Smac |
Finally got to the front tire and low and behold, the bearings are notchy as hell! I've heard many stories about the rear bearings failing, but the front?! I took the wheel to my local dealership and they agreed with my original concern and recommended that I changed the bearings. I said ok, go ahead & swap them out...the bike is still under warranty. The service guy then proceeded to tell me that he would have to call HD customer service to verify that they could recover their costs...are you kidding me? So, I called the customer service number myself this morning. The guy was really nice and said "yep, you're bikes under warranty till 3/2011...the dealer should have to question." Guess we'll see what the dealership says now...& believe me, it's not that I can't afford to buy my own bearings and pop them in. I just want HD to stand behind its warranty on a Buell. | ||
| Smac |
The dealership called and said it's all good...they can swap the bearings under warranty. The only downside is that they have to order the bearings...7 to 10 days. I tried to convince them to buy the bearings from American Sportbike (they have them in stock) but they said they had to order them from HD for the warranty claim. Good thing I have a 2nd bike, eh?! Reason #101 to have more than 1 bike...don't need to pay for a loaner!!! |
