(Be sure to also check the REF section)

This is not a step-by-step install instruction. It is rather an explanation of the principles involved in placement of the bearings & spacers plus the overall concept of alignment.

Remember, the fork legs & axle produce an assembly in which all the spacers & the inner races of both bearings are clamped together but none of those parts rotate or move during operation. The bearing outer races are also fixed parts, pressed into the wheel hub. The roller or ball bearings between the inner & outer races of the wheel bearing are the real moving parts. Be sure you service these bearings well as the proper operation of each wheel is critical to your safety while riding.

Here is a general diagram of the front wheel in the forks with various parts identified. This illustration uses sealed-bearings but the operational concepts apply to use of Timken bearings (with shims) as well.

¹⁾

When installing sealed bearings, install the brake-side first so that the bearing is fully seated in the hub. This helps to keep the brake rotor alignment in conjunction with the external bearing spacer. Then place the internal hub spacer into the wheel and install the other bearing. Be sure that the internal hub bearing spacer is a few thousandth longer than the spacing of the hub bearing seats. This guarantees that the hub spacer will be in full contact with the inner race of the 2nd bearing and the bearing will not be laterally loaded (under tension). The outer race of the 2nd bearing should NOT fully seat against the hub cavity - You must stop the bearing insertion when the inner race of the 2nd bearing comes in contact with the hub spacer.

Notice in the diagram that there is a small GAP between the outer race of the 2nd bearing (right-side of forks) and the seat of the hub cavity. This is important to maintain (as described above) to prevent laterally loading the bearing. The goal is to never put differential lateral forces on the inner vs outer races while installing the bearing. We don't want to damage either the balls themselves or their races by causing the inner race to go one way while the outer race is pushed or held the other way.

²⁾

When re-installing the wheel to the forks, the axle will slip completely thru the right-side fork. It will clamp all the parts - the external spacer, the right-side bearing inner race, the hub spacer, the left-side bearing inner race and the second external spacer - to the left-side fork. At this point, when you tighten the nut on the axle, the wheel assembly is only clamped to the left-side fork. The right-side fork is then clamped to the wheel assembly by the Pinch Bolt which now allows both forks to support the front wheel assembly. This process allows the forks to rotate individually and align themselves to the axle.

If you are changing from a stock wheel, be sure your external and internal spacers are properly sized. The inner spacer must be a few thousandth longer than the measured distance between the two bearing cavities of the hub. The external spacers need to be the correct length to properly align the brake rotor with the brake caliper and also to center the wheel between the forks.

Take Note:

• Custom bearings can be found to match a wheel to an axle size (and there are OEM kits for 2000-later wheels) but the original bearings varied in width - Timken, 4-Seal Single-Row (4SSR) Sealed Bearing and 2-Seal Single-Row (2SSR) Bearing. This also means that internal & external spacer lengths varied.
  • The difference between two 15mm bearings & two 21mm bearings is 12mm = .472“

• If placing a 4SSR bearing (21mm wide) in a wheel designed for 2SSR bearings (15mm hub cavity), you will have 6mm of the bearing outside the hub face (meaning the centerline of the bearing is 3mm more outward).³⁾ There is no collected data on whether this configuration represents a problem, but it would seem that, when properly spacered and clamped on the axle, this variation should be functional. Safety is the responsibility of each rider.
  • See this XLForum thread.

Beginning in 2000, the Moco used sealed wheel bearings on all Sportster models (previous years used Timken Bearings). There were two
basic styles of sealed bearings - 4-Seal Single-Row Ball Bearings (4SSR) and 2-Seal Single Row Ball Bearings (2SSR).

Front	Rear	Identification
2000-2007 4SSR – 3/4” Axle	2000-2004 4SSR – 3/4“ Axle	4SSR Bearings are 21mm wide
	2005-2007 4SSR – 1” Axle
2008-later 2SSR - 25mm Axle	2008-later 2SSR - 25mm Axle	2SSR Bearings are 15mm wide
4)

These images, supplied by Multihdrdr of the XLForum.net, illustrate the make-up of the 4SSR-type bearings:
⁵⁾

Multihdrdr goes on to say: “Besides being good quality bearings, I believe the seal arrangement contributes greatly to their longevity. The outer seal (on each side) is fixed to the stationary inner race and seals against the rotating outer race whereas the inner seal is fixed to the outer race and seals against the inner race with some grease between the seals. This creates a tough path for water and grit to arrive at the balls and races.”

The wheels that were supplied during these various years had hub bearing cavities to match the bearings - a 21mm deep hub cavity from 2000-2007 for 4SSR bearings and a 15mm deep hub cavity from 2008-onward for the 2SSR bearings.

Check out the section below about 'Conversion Bearings & Spacers' to see that all 2000-later wheels can accomodate bearings for 3/4“, 1” or 25mm axles.

Timken Tapered Bearings are a 2-piece angular roller bearing. This type wheel bearing was used up thru 1999, after which, unitized sealed bearings replaced them.

The first part is a simple outer race while the second part is not only the inner race but includes the roller bearings in a cage. When installed, in addition to using the two bearing sets, there is a hub spacer, a spacer washer and, possibly, SHIM washers. Because there must be a precise space between the inner & outer races of each bearing set, shims are used in setting that precise distance.

The outer races are simply installed fully into the hub cavity on each side of the wheel. Then, on the brake rotor side, the selected shims are installed (contacting the counterbore), followed by the spacer washer, then the inner bearing race (with rollers) and the oil seal. On the opposite side of the wheel, you must insert the hub spacer (to fully contact shim washers), then the 2nd inner bearing race (with rollers) followed by the oil seal. Then the proper outside bearing spacers are inserted through the center of the oil seals to make contact with the inner races on each side. Early models use a mechanical speedo drive unit on the front wheel as an outer bearing spacer.

When assembled, between the front forks (or rear swingarm), the axle clamps the assembly together. The installed shims will create a gap between the inner & outer races to create the End Play (the ability of the wheel to move horizontally on the axle). You must check the End Play after clamping the axle components to be sure you are within the specs (typically, .002“ to .006” combined total for End Play of the assembly). Check your factory manual for the recommended procedure.

The 1991-earlier stock models used a selection of different length center hub spacers to adjust End Play of the Timken bearings but did not use additional SHIMs. See the Center Hub Spacers listed below.

https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/183419-fxr-wheels-to-sporty-swap?t=1973858
https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/134980-front-axle-help-needed?t=1457354
https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/54134-front-wheel-bearings?t=257343

Also:

ReddTigger - https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/148088-center-spacer-too-big-for-rear-hub?t=1608830https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/148088-center-spacer-too-big-for-rear-hub?t=1608830
Decman - - - https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/166497-wheel-bearing-upgrade?t=1788732
Folkie - - - https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-transmission-clutch-primary-secondary-drive/151420-rear-axle-diameter?t=1635642

Bearing 9276B (South Korea) replaced 9276A (South Korea) around 2017.
Bearing 9252A (South Korea) has a gray seal and replaced 9252 (Canada in 2013, Mexico in 2015) which has a tan seal. ⁶⁾
Bearing 9252A installs with the red side inboard and the gray side outboard, towards the installation tool.
The SKF bearing replacement for HD 9276B is 6205 2RSJEM (25x52x15 deep groove, double sealed, C3). ⁷⁾

(From HD Parts Catalogs and online fiche sources ⁸⁾ unless noted otherwise)

• The same axle is used for dual disc / single disc wheels as well as cast / spoked wheels within the same wheel year models (not bike year models).

Click on a pic to enlarge:

Used 1988-1996 Front Steel Axle 43895-87 26)

Used 1998-1999 3/4” Front Stainless Steel Axle 43895-87B 27)

Used 2000-2007 3/4“ Front Stainless Steel Axle 43895-00 28)

Front axle comparison: 98-99 (back) vs 00-07 (front) 29) Pics skewed / Same overall length w/ longer head
This example is for 2000-later sealed bearings. With earlier Timken-type bearings, the outer bearing spacer will insert thru the oil seal to reach the inner bearing race.

*Ref: https://cad.timken.com/item/tapered-roller-bearings-ts-tapered-single-/tapered-roller-bearings-ts-tapered-single-imperi-2/item-27295

³¹⁾

^{87) 88)}

(From HD Parts Catalogs and online fiche sources ⁹⁰⁾ unless noted otherwise)

• Custom rear bearings can be found to match a wheel to an axle size but the original bearings varied in width (Timken, Double-Sealed Bearing, Single-Row Bearing) - This also means that spacer lengths varied.
  • Note: Difference between two 15mm bearings & two 21mm bearings is 12mm = .472”
• Don't forget the Swingarm slots & Axle Adjusters need to match the axle diameter. Axle Adjusters changed from '04-earlier (centered) to '05-later (flush to inside)
• NOTE: If placing a 21mm width bearing in a wheel designed for bearings of 15mm width, you will have 6mm of the bearing outside the hub face (meaning the centerline of the bearing is 3mm more outward). There is no collected data on whether this configuration represents a problem, but it would seem that, when properly spacered and clamped on the axle, this variation should be functional. Safety is the responsibility of each rider.
  • See this XLForum thread.

*Ref: https://cad.timken.com/item/tapered-roller-bearings-ts-tapered-single-/tapered-roller-bearings-ts-tapered-single-imperi-2/item-27295

¹²⁵⁾

The Outside Diameter of all 2000-later sealed bearings is 52mm, regardless of the Inner Diameter for the axle. This provides for the potential conversion installation of any 2000-later bearing set (3/4“, 1” or 25mm Axle) on any 2000-later wheel. If performing a conversion from stock, the Inner Hub Spacers & Outer Axle Spacers may vary between front & rear installations and between various models.

All stock wheels created for 2000-2007 models (whether for front or rear) have a hub bearing depth designed to accept 21mm wide wheel bearings. Stock wheels for 2008-later models have a hub depth design for 15mm wide wheel bearings.

Part Numbers listed below for 2000-Later Front Wheel Bearings & Spacers

For 3/4“ Axle - Frt Bearing .. .. 9267(w=21mm)
For 25mm Axle - Frt Bearing . . 9276(w=15mm)
For 25mm Axle - Frt Bearing . . 9276A(w=15mm)
For 25mm Axle - Frt Bearing . . 9252(w=15mm) - For ABS

For 3/4” Axle .. .. .. 3.040“ Frt Center Hub Spacer . .. 43613-00
For 25mm Axle .. .. .. 2.980” Frt Center Hub Spacer . .. 43906-08*
For 25mm Axle .. .. .. 4.104“ Frt Center Hub Spacer . .. 11888*
(HD calls these Axle Sleeves)

For 25mm Axle - .111” Bearing Shim Spacer - Left Front .. 43315-07
(Used with 15mm wide bearings in wheels designed for 21mm wide Bearings) (Hub Spacer passes thru center of Bearing Shim Spacers)

The axle part numbers vary somewhat by year/model - Check for your specific model.
*Some spacer part numbers may vary depending on the exact wheel

Part Numbers listed below for 2000-Later Rear Wheel Bearings & Spacers
(Based on https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document/215511?locale=en_US)

For 3/4“ Axle - Rr Bearing .. .. 9267(w=21mm)
For 1” Axle - Rr Bearing .. .. .. 9247(w=21mm)
For 25mm Axle - Rr Bearing . . 9276(w=15mm)
For 25mm Axle - Rr Bearing . . 9276A(w=15mm)
For 25mm Axle - Rr Bearing . . 9252(w=15mm) - For ABS

For 3/4“ Axle .. .. .. 4.810” Rr Center Hub Spacer . .. .. 43608-00
For 1“ Axle .. .. .. .. 4.810” Rr Center Hub Spacer .. .. 43517-00
For 25mm Axle .. .. .. 5.235“ Rr Center Hub Spacer . 41900-08*
(HD calls these Axle Sleeves)

For 25mm Axle - .203” (5mm) Bearing Shim Spacer - Rear .. 43904-08
(Used with 15mm wide bearings in wheels designed for 21mm wide Bearings) (Hub Spacer passes thru center of Bearing Shim Spacers)

(?? 25mm ABS Rr Axle Bearing .. 9252(w=15mm))

The axle part numbers vary somewhat by year/model - Check for your specific model.
*Some spacer part numbers may vary depending on the exact wheel

Part Numbers For Wheel Bearing Install Kits for 2000-later Wheels:
(These kits come with two bearings and various spacers to fit multiple models)
Front
2000-2007 - Using 3/4“ Axle .. .. .. 43833-07A (Bearings will be 21mm wide)
2008-up — Using 25mm Axle . . .. 41452-08C (Bearings will be 15mm wide)

Rear
2000-2004 - Using 3/4” Axle .. .. ..43854-08A (Bearings will be 21mm wide)
2005-2007 - Using 1“ Axle . .. .. .. 43861-08A (Bearings will be 21mm wide)
2008-up — Using 25mm Axle .. .. 43878-08B (BUT NOT 2011-later XL883L) (Bearings will be 15mm wide)
(HD 43878-08B comes with two 25mm bearings, one 5mm spacer, a 133mm & 147mm center hub spacer and valve stems)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ReddTigger - https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/148088-center-spacer-too-big-for-rear-hub?t=1608830
The hub spacer must pass thru the center hole of the wheel (cleanly) and make contact with the left & right inner bearing surfaces.

Some early model wheels (made between 2000-2004?) may have a center hub hole ID that is only clearanced for 3/4” axle hub spacers OD. This is not the surface where the bearings mount, but rather the hole between left & right sides of the wheel hub where the center hub spacer goes through.

To use these wheels with a later size axle hub spacer (ie., 1“ or 25mm, having larger ODs) you will need to bore that center hub hole to be slightly larger than the OD of spacer being used. DO NOT BUGGER UP THE FACE SURFACE OF THE BEARING CAVITY! The exact size of this enlargement is not critical but it must be done well. The hub spacer must move freely in that opening. If you have any question of your ability to do this, find a machine shop who will enlarge that hole correctly. Take your hub spacer along to be sure the final hole is larger than the spacer OD. With reasonable skill, you should be able to use the proper size bit or a unibit to do this yourself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other References:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sportster-models/1144065-what-is-the-correct-front-wheel-bearing-shim.html
https://www.justanswer.com/motorcycle/4vtb5-need-expert-harley-wheel-bearing-installation-please.html

**Note:** These are aftermarket replacement parts (not OEM)
The following information is provided for information only.
THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT TO USE ANY OF THESE PARTS

2000-later
3/4" Sealed Bearing - OEM 9267 --- J&P 202-182
1" Sealed Bearing --- OEM 9247 --- J&P 202-183
25mm Sealed Bearing - OEM 251571 - J&P 203-785


1986-1999
3/4" Timken Tapered Roller Bearing - OEM 9052 - J&P 202-169

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drag Specialties A25-1002 - 3/4" Wheel Bearing/Seal Kit (Frt/Rr) Like stock Timken
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replaces OEM #9052 Timken Bearings & Seals
Contains all necessary bearings and seals required for each individual wheel application
Tapered Roller Bearing Specifications
.. (2) LM11910 Cups (1.781" OD) (Outer Race)
.. (2) LM11949 Cones (.75" ID) (Bearings & Inner Race)
...... Width of Assembly: .653"
.. (2) D5118 Grease Seal (1.781"OD x 1.12"ID x .40"Width)

https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/166497-wheel-bearing-upgrade?t=1788732
Thread regarding converting Timken angular roller bearings to sealed ball bearings.
Decman includes a conceptual diagram of installing sealed bearings.

**Note:** Providing information only - not an endorsement of these parts.
The following is a sealed bearing kit as an alternative to Timken Bearings #9052.
Intended Application for 1991 to 1999 XL Rear Wheel w/Belt Drive.
(These bearings, theoretically, will also replace 3/4" front axle Timken bearings but ...
... will require a different set of hub & wheel spacers to match the front wheel hub width)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
V-Twin No: 44-2995 - Rear Sealed Wheel Bearing Conversion Kit for 3/4" Axle
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retro fit for models with Timken bearings. Double row wheel bearings eliminate wheel play,
have a longer wear life, require no adjustment. Kit includes two bearings, center spacer
& spacers. Fits 1991-99 XL.
Double Row Sealed Wheel Bearing - OD=1.782" - ID=.747" - Width=.81"
Center_Spacer length=4.5"

• Removing the Front Wheel on a 2007 883L