| Author | Message | ||
     Buellmalarky |
I just bought a 03 XB9S with 3500 miles on it, I took to the HD stealership last week to get the required inspection and new rear tire installed. After the work was done the mechanic told me that the bearings on the rear wheels wasn't as smooth as they should be and that should arrange a repair immediately. Now I've already ordered the service manual and the bearing kit from Appleton HD but I wanted to voice another concern. Is there something else I should be worried about? I mean, 3500 miles is low low low! It should have only had one oil change! Should it be having bearing failure this early into it's life. I realize the bike is 5 years old but sealed bearing packs shouldn't be failing after just a few miles should they? Is there something I should be worried about? Is this bike going to nickle and dime me to death? | ||
| Akbuell |
The calender is every bit as much an enemy of mechanical things as is abuse. Doing the math in my head, your bike has averaged about 70mi of use a month since new. And I'm guessing you are not the first owner, so no idea as to how it has been treated, stored, ect. That being said, get a service manual and become one w/your bike. And checking the conditions of your bearings is not hard. They may not need attention. And don't be afraid to ask for help. Let us know how it goes! Dave | ||
| Buellmalarky |
Hey thanks Dave. A HD mechanic has been of great assistance so far with helping me with info, etc. Am I reading to far into this? I was just thinking that if there is bearing failure already then maybe there is other problems I should be aware of. Service Manual comes in this week. | ||
| Prowler |
I was down at Harbor Freight last week and they have their blind hole bearing puller on sale for $30. Will work on both the front and rear wheel bearings. Seemed like a good deal vs. the alternative. | ||
| Andymnelson |
What color are your bearings? | ||
| P_squared |
Are they the fabled bearings with the 'black' cover? Ask your dealer to run your VIN to ensure all recall work has been done. I think your bearings may show up as 'needing to be done'. If so, you may be able to get them replaced for free with the 'orange' covered version. | ||
| Buellmalarky |
They are orange, first thing I checked! | ||
| Court |
>>>I think your bearings may show up as 'needing to be done'. If they do the dealer has MUCH greater issues.  | ||
| P_squared |
Ah heck, it was worth a shot in the dark.  | ||
| Froggy |
Actually the most current version of the bearing seals is black! | ||
| Fast1075 |
Put down the pressure washer and step away from the bike...ok you just got the bike...refer to the first part. | ||
| Skinstains |
I never believed in 'sealed bearings', water and dirt will find it's way in and the seals end up keeping this stuff in. My kingdom for some tapered rollers. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Tapered rollers could be done but we would have to shim for preload. One step forward, two steps back. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
It should have only had one oil change! I certainly hope it has had more than one oil change... time will wreak havoc inside an engine that's been sitting. Remember, maintenance schedules have mileage and time parameters- even synthetic oil should be changed once a year in extremely low-mileage situations. If it has had mineral oil sitting in it a long time I would have it checked thoroughly. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Are you riding this off road and through creek beds?..... Then 3700 sounds right in line with the abuse I did this last winter. | ||
| Akbuell |
If the bike is running fine, then don't worry. A set of axle sliders and frame pucks would be good for peace of mind. And Buell advises changing the brake fluid every two years. Probably should be done. |
