Wheel Bearings...
11-17-2012, 05:04 PM
#3
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I've been in around motorcycles for over 40 years can honestly say I've never heard of it nor can I recall ever even discussing it. I'm sure there is a legitimate engineering reason that it's not done but I can't elaborate on it.
11-17-2012, 05:09 PM
#4
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+1 to smokinjoe73
Ceramic wheel bearings are the only upgrade I'm aware of.They're expensive and whether they provide any significant benefit for street riding is debatable. Properly installed, well greased stock wheel bearings with good seals will last a very long time.
Ceramic wheel bearings are the only upgrade I'm aware of.They're expensive and whether they provide any significant benefit for street riding is debatable. Properly installed, well greased stock wheel bearings with good seals will last a very long time.
11-23-2012, 03:01 PM
#6
The Pirate Sportbiker
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Not needle bearings, Tweety - roller bearings. I was wondering about the sideload subject though. Based on the anatomy of each bearing, how would a sideload affect a roller bearing differently than a ball bearing?
Last edited by VTArrrgh!; 11-23-2012 at 03:03 PM.
11-23-2012, 03:28 PM
#7
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Needle Not made to handle side loads.
Cylindrical roller bearings like you pictured, two inner lip, can handle light thrust loading only.
Tapered, spherical , and thrust roller bearings are designed for thrust loads.
The Ball bearing is designed to handle both thrust and radial load... just not as much radial load for a same sized roller bearing or as must thrust as a tapered roller... ball bearings are a compromise load deal. But when spec'ed and sized for the radial and thrust load needed,,, a perfect bearing for things like motorcycle wheels.
Cylindrical roller bearings like you pictured, two inner lip, can handle light thrust loading only.
Tapered, spherical , and thrust roller bearings are designed for thrust loads.
The Ball bearing is designed to handle both thrust and radial load... just not as much radial load for a same sized roller bearing or as must thrust as a tapered roller... ball bearings are a compromise load deal. But when spec'ed and sized for the radial and thrust load needed,,, a perfect bearing for things like motorcycle wheels.
11-23-2012, 09:07 PM
#8
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Even if you could use tapered roller bearings I have never heard of it being done and the real question is why would you devote any energy to the idea?
This is only one tick away from trying to re-invent the wheel.
This is only one tick away from trying to re-invent the wheel.
11-24-2012, 05:52 AM
#9
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But to your question.... I would not
To the OP.
What are you trying to achieve by using an other then ball bearing in this application?
More hours between failure?
Less rolling resistance?
More radial, static or thrust load capacity?
Easier availability?
WHAT?
11-24-2012, 12:38 PM
#11
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That's interesting and I never knew that, but then again I've never owned a Harley. I've seen a bunch on the side of the road but never owned one myself!!!
11-24-2012, 06:35 PM
#12
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