The Comprehensive Guide to Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Pullers

Introduction

Maintaining your Harley Davidson motorcycle is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Wheel bearings play a pivotal role in smooth wheel rotation and handling. When these bearings wear out or become damaged, replacing them is essential. This guide will provide comprehensive information about Harley Davidson wheel bearing pullers, empowering you with the knowledge to perform this task confidently.

Understanding Harley Davidson Wheel Bearings

Harley Davidson motorcycles utilize various types of wheel bearings, such as ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, and sealed bearings. These bearings are designed to minimize friction, support the weight of the motorcycle, and facilitate smooth wheel rotation.

Identifying the Need for Wheel Bearing Replacement

Telltale signs indicate the need for wheel bearing replacement. These include:

• Increased noise: Worn bearings produce grinding, squealing, or humming sounds while riding.
• Loose or wobbly wheels: Worn bearings can cause excessive play in the wheels, leading to instability.
• Vibration: Damaged bearings can cause vibrations that resonate through the handlebars or footpegs.
• Uneven tire wear: Bearing failure can result in uneven tire wear patterns.

Essential Tools: Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Pullers

Replacing wheel bearings requires specialized tools, including a Harley Davidson wheel bearing puller. This tool is designed to safely and effectively remove the old bearing from the wheel hub.

Types of Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Pullers

Various types of Harley Davidson wheel bearing pullers are available, each catering to specific models and bearing sizes. Common types include:

• Two-jaw pullers: These pullers utilize two adjustable jaws to grip the bearing's inner race.
• Three-jaw pullers: Similar to two-jaw pullers, these pullers feature three adjustable jaws for enhanced stability.
• Hydraulic pullers: These pullers employ hydraulic pressure to generate significant force for removing stubborn bearings.

Choosing the Right Wheel Bearing Puller

Selecting the appropriate wheel bearing puller is crucial. Consider the following factors:

• Motorcycle model: Different Harley Davidson models require specific pullers designed for their unique wheel bearing sizes and configurations.
• Bearing type: The type of bearing being replaced will determine the compatibility of the puller.
• Size and dimensions: Ensure the puller's jaws are the correct size and shape to fit the bearing's inner race.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Puller

Materials Required:

• Harley Davidson wheel bearing puller
• Socket wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Clean rags

Safety Precautions:

• Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses.
• Secure the motorcycle on a stable and level surface.
• Use caution when applying force to avoid injury.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wheel:
   - Remove the wheel from the motorcycle.
   - Clean the wheel hub area around the bearing.
   - Apply penetrating oil to the bearing race.

2. Install the Puller Jaws:
   - Attach the appropriate puller jaws to the inner race of the bearing.
   - Ensure the jaws are securely tightened.

3. Apply Force:
   - Gradually apply force to the puller using a socket wrench.
   - Avoid excessive force as it can damage the bearing or surrounding components.
   - Continue applying force until the bearing is removed from the wheel hub.

4. Clean the Wheel Hub:
   - Use a clean rag to remove any debris or remaining penetrant from the wheel hub.

   

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using a Wheel Bearing Puller

• Using too much force: Excessive force can damage the bearing, puller, or surrounding components.
• Not cleaning the wheel hub: Debris or penetrant left on the wheel hub can interfere with proper bearing removal.
• Misaligning the puller jaws: Improper jaw alignment can apply uneven force, potentially damaging the bearing or puller.
• Applying force to the outer race: The puller should only be applied to the inner race of the bearing to avoid damaging the outer race or seal.

Strategies for Effective Wheel Bearing Removal

• Use the right tools: Ensure the wheel bearing puller is compatible with the specific Harley Davidson model and bearing type.
• Apply penetrating oil: Penetrating oil can help loosen stubborn bearings.
• Apply heat (optional): Gently heating the bearing area can expand the metal, making removal easier.
• Use a slide hammer (optional): Slide hammers can provide additional force for removing particularly difficult bearings.

Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

• The stuck bearing: One rider encountered a bearing that stubbornly refused to budge. After hours of wrestling with the puller, he finally gave up in frustration. As a last resort, he attached a bungee cord to the puller and tied the other end to a tree branch. To his surprise, when he released the bungee cord, the bearing shot out of the hub with such force that it almost hit him in the face. Lesson: Sometimes perseverance and a bit of ingenuity can overcome even the most stubborn challenges.

• The flying bearing: Another rider was so eager to remove a bearing that he applied excessive force to the puller. As a result, the bearing shot across the garage and landed in a bucket of soapy water. Lesson: Always exercise caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid injuries and mishaps.

• The bearing bandit: One unsuspecting rider left his motorcycle unattended in his garage overnight. When he returned in the morning, he discovered that someone had stolen the newly installed wheel bearing puller. Lesson: Always secure your tools, especially when working in public spaces.

Conclusion

Replacing wheel bearings on a Harley Davidson motorcycle can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is achievable for both experienced and novice mechanics. By understanding Harley Davidson wheel bearing pullers and following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can confidently ensure the smooth and safe operation of your cherished motorcycle.

Appendix

Table 1: Common Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Types

Table 2: Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Puller Compatibility

Table 3: Harley Davidson Wheel Bearing Replacement Costs