| Author | Message | ||
     Bbstacker |
Help! I have come across a couple of threads on this site that deal with the replacement of the wheel bearings. From what I gather, the ones with the black seals are no good and tend to grenade. The ones with the orange (red) seals are the upgraded replacements. I have 5600 miles on my '03 9R and I still have the black wheel bearings. The question I have is was there a recall on them? If so, is it something the dealer will take care of? I bought my bike used about three months ago, so I never got any info on this. Do the bearings on both wheels need to be replaced, or just the rear as was discussion? Please, if you are in the know about this respond. I'm making preps for a long weekend of riding at the end of this month and I would hate to be stranded, or worse, get wadded up beside the road.  Mark | ||
| Ravensmith22 |
Yes, there was a recall on the black bearings, and your dealer will take care of it. While there, have the dealer run the VIN to see if the sidestand has been upgraded or not. Some early '03's had a "potentially unsafe" sidestand. You might also want to check if your bike has the upgraded Gates belt. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The bearings should be replaced free of charge. They were NOT recalled, but the factory did issue a "Free Safety Upgrade". Buell Customer service is: 1 414 343 4056. Ask for Roger. Expect a lot. The part number of the latest version of the '03 belt is :G0500.02ABR. The number may be visible on the outside of the belt. If you do not have one of these belts, it might be a good idea to order one now, and install it the next time you change tires. While you are at your dealers, it might also be a good idea to have him check the steering head bearings. These frequently need to be tightened up if there is any play in the front end. Many of the members of this group order their parts from Daves, a Buell friendly salesperson at Appleton HD, one of our sponsors. | ||
| Exupmonkey |
Mark...my 03 XB9R had the new bearings installed(red seals) however I have just had to replace the fronts after only 7000 miles! I had the tyres changed and the Tech found that one of the bearings was'rumbling'. I examined the bearing and there is no doubt that it was on its way out. I replaced them with non Buell ones so hopefully I will see more life out of them | ||
| Ivanski |
Take them to your dealer... NOW. My bearings blew @ 75mph & I almost dumped it. My '03 XB9S had 5000 mi on it. Why this is a "Product upgrade" and not a "RECALL" is a mystery to me. Lucky for me, I was riding on a smooth, straight & relatively empty stretch of road. If I'd been in a hard turn or in heavier traffic I could have been KILLED. Currently, my bike is @ Ventura Harley waiting for an entire new rear wheel. When they blew, the bearings damaged it beyond repair. This is not something to put off till tomorrow. trust me. Ivanski  | ||
| Court |
The Wheel Bearing Service Bulletin came out on March 13th of 2003. Take a look at it first to make certain the bearings you are talking about fell into the program. Be certain, when you call Roger to have your VIN and bike info. He'll get you fixed up. Court |
