Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: th-cam.com/play/PLmgCmljtdCzWrLg62oZxo0laIsmq4j67P.html
Fixed mine myself the bearing was sitting proud on the right hand side. Removed the swinging arm and pressed the bearings in correctly. Made a world of difference to the ride. South Australia.
Been lost down the rabbit hole and found this video. I have a horrible ride on my 20 Deluxe. Bike feels completely off balance and riding like 💩! I put every bit of weight into the rear of the bike and it’s not moving at all. I even sat on the back with some up and down motion and not a give to the swingarm. Bike has 15000km and luckily I still have a warranty until 2026. Going to have harley pick it up and sort this out. Also going to tell them I want the bearings replaced not just the nut loosened and retorqued. Appreciate your knowledge and breakdown. The world needs more honest and knowledgeable gents like yourself Brother. Newfoundland, Canada.
My 2020 Low Rider S was without doubt the most uncomfortable bike I'd ever ridden, almost to the point of changing it. I bought it in May 2021 with 1800 miles on it from a UK non-HD dealership. However, I'm so glad I rode a 117 Low Rider S at the 2024 HD Experience Tour as it was a revelation in comfort compared to mine. At a recent visit to Newmarket HD, I mentioned it to one of the Master Technicians and he came out, sat on it and immediately said "that's not right" even with the pre-load at its minimum. Not expecting what he'd do next, he took it into the workshop to investigate it further. After disconnecting the shock he found the swing arm hard to move then called me in to the workshop to show me the problem, he concluded that the LH bearing had been fitted incorrectly in the factory and instead of being flush with the swingarm it was protruding and is something that they'd seen only once before. Seriously, this being my first HD, I always thought that this was just how these bikes were, so I didn't think too much about it but the technician filed a report with HD to see if the repairs can be funded despite the bike being out of warranty (this was not successful). To be honest, I just wanted it put right even if I had to pay so I can enjoy the bike at its best rather than giving my spine a hammering over the bumps, maybe then I'd be inclined to take it out more. Now it's fixed by the technician that diagnosed the fault, the difference is night and day, not only in comfort but handling in high speed corners too as previously the front suspension was compensating for the lack of rear suspension. Far from thinking of changing the bike, it's now better than I've ever known it, so I hope to get more miles on it this year. Cost of repair was £470 for 2 x bearings @ £30 and 2 x retaining rings @ 59p + 3 Hours labour @ £110 /hr + VAT.
Mine was one of the first in Australia found. It was completely missed by local dealer. It was actually the left bearing that was ditting proud. Easiest way to test is to put bike on flat jack remove seat and undo either of the shock mounts the raise the jack a little grab the rear wheel and lift it should rise fairly easily through the swingarm ark. Mine actually hung in mid air and took 2 of us to move it was so seized. Jordans speed and custom has a good video on how to check.
Not sure where I saw a video on this , and it was the remove the seat and loosen the shock , Jack the bike up and lift the rear and make sure it has movement.
Having this issue with my 2021 FatBob. I am trying to convince the local dealer here in NZ to replace these bearings as once you slacken off the rear fork axle nut the suspension works perfectly. I'll keep you posted.
The local Harley dealer replaced the rear shock and swingarm bearings, it now has proper rear suspension. It was definitely the swingarm bearings that was the problem, I removed the shock and the swing arm was so stiff to move which i took a video of and sent to them, they agreed. I am very happy that rectified it all under warranty. I suggest that you check your swingarm bearings as i think that there will be many more with improper installation from factory. Cheers
I've a 2019 Sport Glide, Australia delivered, with 18000 k on the clock. As I write this the bike is at the dealers trying to sort it out for the second time in the last month. All under warranty. Cheers Steve
I picked up a 19 Fat bob. The rear swing arm was completely frozen, no movement at all. Right side bearing was not seated all the way. I'm in Colorado USA.
Videos like this (on the pain in the neck aspects of maintenance) are the most interesting. Exactly how is bearing pressed into frame? And how does one measure the squareness of the bore of the pivot point?
I am in columbus ohio USA. I had a feeling that the i had a loose Wheel. The bearings need replaced In the lower swing arm. It is a long and Hard repair. That god I true friend. We are both 60 yrs old and it took for Ever. No wobble now.
Thanks to this video I figured out my swingarm was over torqued on 21’ Sport glide. I noticed I had to lift the left side of my transmission about a half inch to get the axle through, and my rear wheel sits a 4 mm lower on the left side causing the whole swing arm and wheel to lean to the left. It sat that way before and after I adjusted my swing arm. I believe my engine is out of alignment and as far as I can tell there is no procedure or STABALizer that I can find to remedy this. Any ideas?
Just bought a used 2018 HC with 16,000kms (Canada). The rear suspension is very harsh. Removed the fender and mono shock and tried moving the swing arm. Took all my strength to lift it, when I let go the wheel would just hang in mid air. Guessing about 10lbs pressure to push the swing arm back down. I loosened the swing arm nut and the swing arm would move freely. I torqued the nut back up to the minimum 154ftlbs ( manual says 154- 170 ftlbs) and the swing arm now moves up and down but with moderate resistance. I don't know if the resistance is the norm or should it move freely. The right bearing appears to be proud as per specs (0.060-0.130") of the housing.........suggestions?
I have a seized swing arm bearing, was there a technical release from HD? I guess I'm going to have in interesting discussion with the dealership. I'm based in the UK
I have a 2019 sport glide. Just watched video and going to check bearing! I am having noises and had the bike in for 1000 and 5000 mile told dealer about the issue. Was told that bike checks out and nothing wrong???? I am in the U.S . Pennsylvania P.A
RevelatorAlf update. Vincent carameli here. Seems noise is from anti lock breaks. Activated breaks by jamming break leaver. Noise is almost almost completely gone.
I have a 2020 M8 Slim ..I am in Australia. My rear suspension is Like a hardtail !! Nothing at all .. I loosened the swing arm bolt and boom it moves !!! But when I tighten it , it seizes up ..
I have a bearing failure on a 2005 Harley Softail. it would be the left hand bearing on the rear swingarm I have not yet taking it apart but you can see the bearing is gone basically
i have a FXBB built in 2017 but model 2018. I am from Holland and as far as I know nothing has been changed. I bought it used and therefore no longer a warranty. Go make it myself.
I live in Suffolk i had my done in Norwich harley davidson and I have a fatboy,it was seized and there was done on warranty and it was a long job to fix.
great video Alf, while your working at the rear swinging arm ,a video how to correctly set and tension on your drive belt, mine was sqeaking at low speeds I guess the rear wheel axle is'nt set correctly,, On my 2018 heritage I can't see any markings on the frame to help me, I solved the problem by spreading a light grease along the belt to stop the sqeaking, but HD told me I should'nt put anything on the belt ,that it should stay dry, Hmm
yes that's true. There should be a plastic belt guard to help with tension deflection. You may enquire about the tension tool and wheel alignment tool too at your parts supplier too. Yes possibly a video for the future. Cheers
Please do NOT use oil or grease on a Harley drive belt! They will become sticky and will pick up dirt and grease etc. which will increase belt and pulley wear and eventually will increase the likelihood of a noisy belt. It may also encourage 'belt jump' where the belt jumps the teeth. Gates, (the belt manufacturers) do not recommend any belt dressing at all although some folks use a light spray of furniture polish but again, Gates don't advocate this. Squeaks are normally caused by misalignment of the primary drive and rear wheel pulley or more commonly is a sign of the belt needing adjustment. Check front to rear wheel alignment and check adjustment of the belt, there are loads of videos on YT showing you how. Alf may have already done a video on it! Happy riding!
I like how that Sport Glide talks to Alf in the first 2 seconds of this video clip .... Sport Glide: "Yep, yep, yeah." Alf: "Ahhh" Sport Glide: Smokes a cigarette.
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Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: th-cam.com/play/PLmgCmljtdCzWrLg62oZxo0laIsmq4j67P.html
Fixed mine myself the bearing was sitting proud on the right hand side. Removed the swinging arm and pressed the bearings in correctly. Made a world of difference to the ride.
South Australia.
Thanks Lee. Any discussions with the dealerships about this and where the bike was assembled? Cheers
Been lost down the rabbit hole and found this video. I have a horrible ride on my 20 Deluxe. Bike feels completely off balance and riding like 💩! I put every bit of weight into the rear of the bike and it’s not moving at all. I even sat on the back with some up and down motion and not a give to the swingarm. Bike has 15000km and luckily I still have a warranty until 2026. Going to have harley pick it up and sort this out. Also going to tell them I want the bearings replaced not just the nut loosened and retorqued. Appreciate your knowledge and breakdown. The world needs more honest and knowledgeable gents like yourself Brother. Newfoundland, Canada.
My 2020 Low Rider S was without doubt the most uncomfortable bike I'd ever ridden, almost to the point of changing it. I bought it in May 2021 with 1800 miles on it from a UK non-HD dealership. However, I'm so glad I rode a 117 Low Rider S at the 2024 HD Experience Tour as it was a revelation in comfort compared to mine. At a recent visit to Newmarket HD, I mentioned it to one of the Master Technicians and he came out, sat on it and immediately said "that's not right" even with the pre-load at its minimum. Not expecting what he'd do next, he took it into the workshop to investigate it further. After disconnecting the shock he found the swing arm hard to move then called me in to the workshop to show me the problem, he concluded that the LH bearing had been fitted incorrectly in the factory and instead of being flush with the swingarm it was protruding and is something that they'd seen only once before. Seriously, this being my first HD, I always thought that this was just how these bikes were, so I didn't think too much about it but the technician filed a report with HD to see if the repairs can be funded despite the bike being out of warranty (this was not successful). To be honest, I just wanted it put right even if I had to pay so I can enjoy the bike at its best rather than giving my spine a hammering over the bumps, maybe then I'd be inclined to take it out more.
Now it's fixed by the technician that diagnosed the fault, the difference is night and day, not only in comfort but handling in high speed corners too as previously the front suspension was compensating for the lack of rear suspension.
Far from thinking of changing the bike, it's now better than I've ever known it, so I hope to get more miles on it this year.
Cost of repair was £470 for 2 x bearings @ £30 and 2 x retaining rings @ 59p + 3 Hours labour @ £110 /hr + VAT.
Mine was one of the first in Australia found. It was completely missed by local dealer. It was actually the left bearing that was ditting proud. Easiest way to test is to put bike on flat jack remove seat and undo either of the shock mounts the raise the jack a little grab the rear wheel and lift it should rise fairly easily through the swingarm ark. Mine actually hung in mid air and took 2 of us to move it was so seized. Jordans speed and custom has a good video on how to check.
Great stuff Shane. Any idea where your bike was assembled? Cheers
@@RevelatorAlf no but i can check the vin.
Not sure where I saw a video on this , and it was the remove the seat and loosen the shock , Jack the bike up and lift the rear and make sure it has movement.
@@reddog907 its the best way and the way we tested mine
@@RevelatorAlf kansas
Having this issue with my 2021 FatBob. I am trying to convince the local dealer here in NZ to replace these bearings as once you slacken off the rear fork axle nut the suspension works perfectly. I'll keep you posted.
The local Harley dealer replaced the rear shock and swingarm bearings, it now has proper rear suspension. It was definitely the swingarm bearings that was the problem, I removed the shock and the swing arm was so stiff to move which i took a video of and sent to them, they agreed. I am very happy that rectified it all under warranty. I suggest that you check your swingarm bearings as i think that there will be many more with improper installation from factory. Cheers
Got this problem in my 02 Dyna wide glide in P.A. In the US, not sure where it was made, bought a yr ago at a salvage auction
I've a 2019 Sport Glide, Australia delivered, with 18000 k on the clock. As I write this the bike is at the dealers trying to sort it out for the second time in the last month. All under warranty. Cheers Steve
Oh wow, hope it gets sorted
I picked up a 19 Fat bob. The rear swing arm was completely frozen, no movement at all. Right side bearing was not seated all the way. I'm in Colorado USA.
Videos like this (on the pain in the neck aspects of maintenance) are the most interesting. Exactly how is bearing pressed into frame? And how does one measure the squareness of the bore of the pivot point?
Ah that’s for another video I assune
I am in columbus ohio USA.
I had a feeling that the i had a loose
Wheel. The bearings need replaced
In the lower swing arm. It is a long and
Hard repair. That god I true friend.
We are both 60 yrs old and it took for
Ever. No wobble now.
Thanks to this video I figured out my swingarm was over torqued on 21’ Sport glide. I noticed I had to lift the left side of my transmission about a half inch to get the axle through, and my rear wheel sits a 4 mm lower on the left side causing the whole swing arm and wheel to lean to the left. It sat that way before and after I adjusted my swing arm. I believe my engine is out of alignment and as far as I can tell there is no procedure or STABALizer that I can find to remedy this. Any ideas?
Yes its happened on my 2019 Street Bob UK, bike made in Milwaukee
Just bought a used 2018 HC with 16,000kms (Canada). The rear suspension is very harsh. Removed the fender and mono shock and tried moving the swing arm. Took all my strength to lift it, when I let go the wheel would just hang in mid air. Guessing about 10lbs pressure to push the swing arm back down. I loosened the swing arm nut and the swing arm would move freely. I torqued the nut back up to the minimum 154ftlbs ( manual says 154- 170 ftlbs) and the swing arm now moves up and down but with moderate resistance. I don't know if the resistance is the norm or should it move freely. The right bearing appears to be proud as per specs (0.060-0.130") of the housing.........suggestions?
My softail slin flsf 107, 2019, has the same problem with the rear fork not moving, I'm from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, it has 9,000 kilometers
I have a seized swing arm bearing, was there a technical release from HD? I guess I'm going to have in interesting discussion with the dealership. I'm based in the UK
What was the tech release???
I have a 2019 sport glide. Just watched video and going to check bearing! I am having noises and had the bike in for 1000 and 5000 mile told dealer about the issue. Was told that bike checks out and nothing wrong???? I am in the U.S . Pennsylvania P.A
Hmmm well I wonder if they’ve even checked this. Please let us know what you find out what the problem is. Cheers
RevelatorAlf update. Vincent carameli here. Seems noise is from anti lock breaks. Activated breaks by jamming break leaver. Noise is almost almost completely gone.
Vincent Carameli ah ok thanks for letting us know. Cheers
I have a 2020 M8 Slim ..I am in Australia. My rear suspension is
Like a hardtail !! Nothing at all ..
I loosened the swing arm bolt and boom it moves !!! But when I tighten it , it seizes up ..
There is a sleeve that the bolt goes through on the shock that is likely seized in that case. Try freeing that up and see how you go cheers
I have a bearing failure on a 2005 Harley Softail. it would be the left hand bearing on the rear swingarm I have not yet taking it apart but you can see the bearing is gone basically
Yeah my 2020 low s has this problem. I’m in Australia
Yep needs attention
i have a FXBB built in 2017 but model 2018.
I am from Holland and as far as I know nothing has been changed.
I bought it used and therefore no longer a warranty.
Go make it myself.
Yep best way
I live in Suffolk i had my done in Norwich harley davidson and I have a fatboy,it was seized and there was done on warranty and it was a long job to fix.
Great explanation, good information!
Thanks so much Terry
What year models ? mate cheers
As far as I know it was up to 2020 but it might have affected later bikes too
great video Alf, while your working at the rear swinging arm ,a video how to correctly set and tension on your drive belt, mine was sqeaking at low speeds I guess the rear wheel axle is'nt set correctly,, On my 2018 heritage I can't see any markings on the frame to help me, I solved the problem by spreading a light grease along the belt to stop the sqeaking, but HD told me I should'nt put anything on the belt ,that it should stay dry, Hmm
yes that's true. There should be a plastic belt guard to help with tension deflection. You may enquire about the tension tool and wheel alignment tool too at your parts supplier too. Yes possibly a video for the future. Cheers
Please do NOT use oil or grease on a Harley drive belt! They will become sticky and will pick up dirt and grease etc. which will increase belt and pulley wear and eventually will increase the likelihood of a noisy belt. It may also encourage 'belt jump' where the belt jumps the teeth. Gates, (the belt manufacturers) do not recommend any belt dressing at all although some folks use a light spray of furniture polish but again, Gates don't advocate this. Squeaks are normally caused by misalignment of the primary drive and rear wheel pulley or more commonly is a sign of the belt needing adjustment. Check front to rear wheel alignment and check adjustment of the belt, there are loads of videos on YT showing you how. Alf may have already done a video on it!
Happy riding!
Same issue happened with my FXLR. I live in California
My 2020 is having the same issue ca USA
I like how that Sport Glide talks to Alf in the first 2 seconds of this video clip ....
Sport Glide: "Yep, yep, yeah."
Alf: "Ahhh"
Sport Glide: Smokes a cigarette.
Ha ha
Baton Rouge Louisiana
Anyone have a part number or website they bought new bearings from
sorry i don't have that to hand
I just buy the spherical bearings. Like 10 bucks each. Same thing pretty much
Yep the actual bearings are cheap to replace no doubt
Where did you buy the bearings from I'm having a hard time finding them
Where did you get them from part#
Now I’m worried. ......
No need to be
Don't be, Karen. You would go crazy if you worried about any potential issues such as this. Just be glad you don't have a Triumph. 😏
It was just a figure of speech I’m too old and far too wise to worry about most things these days but thanks for your comment Andrew. ...
@@andrewkitchenuk agree. i love looking at my triumph but it nowhere near the bike my HD is :)
If this is an issue, then Harley should have a recall.
Yes if it’s widespread for sure
@@RevelatorAlf Report it to the D.V.S.A.