sealed wheel bearings?

one thing I've noticed when converting British wheels to sealed bearings is the bearings are just a little bit different in width than the OEM open bearings are, and the open bearing dust covers are all figured into the spacing so you end up with the wheel spacing and bearing lash being just a bit off.
It doesn't take much difference to screw up things with wheels.
It has gotten to the point that I feel if the open bearing isn't bad, clean it, re-grease it, and run it.

Tony the torch said:

one thing I've noticed when converting British wheels to sealed bearings is the bearings are just a little bit different in width than the OEM open bearings are, and the open bearing dust covers are all figured into the spacing so you end up with the wheel spacing and bearing lash being just a bit off.
It doesn't take much difference to screw up things with wheels.
It has gotten to the point that I feel if the open bearing isn't bad, clean it, re-grease it, and run it.

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Just noting, there are pros and cons to both-Timken/tapered bearings are perfect for wheels and so many other things-as for your bike. I don't have problems with sealed bearings per se, but I have more hubs with roached sealed cartridge bearings than I would've ever imagined. Timkens can be had almost everywhere you buy grease from. You can go either way-for that bike, I'd stick with the Tapered bearings for ease of care (basic), and cost over time-And you'll usually get some warning signs of failing tapered bearings, when I see the sealed ones, it's usually way too late. Take care-

Well I believe that the timken style bearing are pretty fool proof. You set the end play up right and grease them when you replace the tire and should not have a problem. Harley used them for a long time and I would bet that they are doing the seal ball bearings now to save money. Also I would bet that if the sealed ball bearings were as good as the timken style the automotive people would be using more of them in the front of the vehicles they make. Plus you can get the timken style almost every where. Just my opinion.

thanks guys, good insight and helpful knowledge have led me to stay w/ the Timkens

Harley stated itself that the major reason to go to sealed wheel bearings was that people were pressure washing their bikes at the car wash and blowing water and soap right past the seal and into the bearing. They never claimed, to my knowledge, that the sealed bearings were superior in performance. Timkens are so easy to service and easy to change when needed.

DarkGoat said:

Timkens are so easy to service and easy to change when needed.

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Yep. And you can see clearly what kind of shape they're in just by looking when you change tires.

I've had sealed bearings feel fine in hand and fail shortly after. There's no way to know what's going on in there until it's too late.

Jason

Sealed bearings are simply easier for the OEMs to install on the line. They ARE inferior to rollers.

Cosmo

Where can I get a set for my rear hub? Lowbrow sells sealed. I also need the washer/spacer that comes on one side. Any ideas?

Most good ( I mean real) bike shops have them in stock . You can get 3/4 and 1" timken w/races at true value but they dont have seals for wheels.

ALS said:

Where can I get a set for my rear hub? Any ideas?

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Here: McMaster-Carr: Tapered Roller Bearings

Jason

I'd try an auto supply store. I know the earlier (through 84) are the same as some standard automotive wheel bearings and I think the later are too. I know I've replaced bearing in the solid Harley wheels and didn't special order the bearings.
Larry T