Inner Primary Bearing Failure

[dynalow]

My IPB failed at 10,000 miles, and 4 months out of warranty (2006 Low Rider). Even though it's just out of warranty I intend to seek reimbursement from HD because
a) it should be a site more reliable than that.
b) they've only replaced like for like, and who's to say the same thing wont happen again in another 10k?
c)HD in the States issued a service bulletin (since withdrawn) advising routine replacement at 15k - so something's not right.

Has anyone out there had a similar failure, and did HD cough up for the repair?

[banquo]

In order to monitor the quality of our products, it has become customary in recent years for Harley-Davidson to implement an Initial Care Program on any significant new product changes.
These programs are generally managed through the Company’s authorized dealers during the motorcycle’s introduction period.
In keeping with this practice, Harley-Davidson implemented an Initial Care Program for the allnew 2006 model year Dyna motorcycles at the time of introduction. This program allows Harley-Davidson to better monitor initial repair trends on this new motorcycle family and provide rapid resolution to customer concerns. The Initial Care Program for the 2006 Dyna motorcycles differs from the service interval information published in your owner’s manual:
♦ A lubricant change for the primary chain and transmission is now specified at
1,000 miles, and at every 5,000 miles thereafter, and
♦ An inner primary bearing replacement is required at 15,000-mile intervals.
Harley-Davidson has preliminarily determined the inner primary bearing on your 2006 Dyna motorcycle will require replacement at 15,000 mile intervals. The bearing will be replaced by your authorized Harley-Davidson dealer at 15,000 miles and at subsequent 15,000-mile intervals, at no cost to you. This service requirement may change over time as we make improvements and monitor repair trends on 2006 Dyna motorcycles. Your authorized Harley-Davidson dealer will be your best source of any updates to this requirement.
Please acknowledge that you have read and understood these provisions regarding your new Dyna motorcycle by signing below. We request that you keep your copy of this notification with your Owner’s Manual so that you have it for future reference.
Steve Phillips
Vice President – Quality and Customer Service

On February 17th 2006, Ron Mundt, Director of Service Support Operations, sent a letter to all dealers, stating that replacement was no longer required... based on the performance and continued evaluation of these new models...
Amazing, without changing anything, all those guys out there with 2006 Dynas that needed their bearings changed at 15,000 miles, suddenly didn't need them changed any more, and at the same time, the transmission oil change interval was increased from 5,000 to 20,000 miles. All in the name of, "to ultimately ensure the most positive ownership experience possible"

I'd guess you have a good chance of having this fixed by a dealer free of charge, given the history. Did you buy the bike new? If so, you still have a case under Sale of Goods Act, and with the documentation to support the fact that the manufacturer said it would replace the bearing free, every 15,000 miles.....

Good luck..

[Oilslick]

Yes, the MoCo withdrew the 15,000 mile replacement but you are lucky if it lasts that long. Mine went at 10,000 ish
http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...ring-shot.html

I had to get the parts from the US as there was an 8 week back order on the bearing. I did it myself as it was the start of the summer and I didn't want the bike off the road while arguing the toss with H-D. Bits were about 50 quid although I didn't bother changing the primary gasket which seemed expensive for a bit of paper.

There dosen't appear to be an alternative to the OEM parts yet. The inner race has changed on the 08's but so has the mainshaft so no good to us.

I just hope it's a bad batch of bearings.

Good news is that members can borrow the inner race extractor / installer from the club. Just pay postage.

I reckon for us it will be 10,000 mile sevice: Change oil, filter, primary bearing..........

Why they fail, who knows. Anyone out there know there stuff with bearing failure analysis?

[dave]

Can you give me the bearing number of the failed bearing please.
The reason I ask for this is, I`am sponsored by a specialist bearing company & they might be able to help with a superior bearing replacement.

[Oilslick]

OEM Part 34091-06 RACE BEARING, INNER Manufactured by INA F-556923
OEM Part 9231 BEARING, ROLLER Manufactured by INA F-553224

I tried to get the parts direct from an INA distributor but they said that when the INA part starts with 'F' then it's via H-D only.

I would be interested if you could find a better quality alternative.

[Fozz]

Hi Oilslick, does that mean all inner PBs need replacing at 15,000 miles or just that model? my bike is at 14,500!

see you tomorrow

[Oilslick]

Just seems to be 06 and maybe 07 Dynas for some reason. Previous bikes used a 9135 roller bearing which was trouble free as far as I know.

[Roy]

Having just received my service manual having decided to service my 2006 fxdbi myself rather than let the grey dealer [who I was massively lose confidence in] do the servicing, noticed that the 15k IPB was needed.

If this has requirement been removed, why in a new service manual is it still in as a 15k service item (mind you why do they still say torque the steering had nut down to 50iibs when apparently it should be 80iibs).

SO , my bike is at 20k. Doing the service (and steering head bearings this weekend). How would I know if the IPBs are shot or not? I was planning to do them over a later weekend, however any noise that was coming from the primary side [after said grey dealer forgot to put primay oil in (!)] has now gone.

Should I just plan to replace them anyway, or wait for certain symptons (like the clutch explodes through the outer primary case, ripping my legs off or something subtle like that ;-)))?

Cheers, Roy

[dynalow]

Roy,
The symptoms are a sickening rumble from the primary chain case, which quietens down a little when you pull the clutch in. IMO change the bearing now before it let's you down on the road, a complete failure may seize the drive and have you tumbling down the road - or worse! I was 350 miles away from home when mine gave up the ghost, and without some excellent service (working Sunday), and help with sorting out digs etc, from Riders of Bridgwater I'd have been in deep s**t.

[Battersea]

Originally Posted by dynalow

Roy,
I was 350 miles away from home when mine gave up the ghost, and without some excellent service (working Sunday), and help with sorting out digs etc, from Riders of Bridgwater I'd have been in deep s**t.

Full marks for Riders then and good to know as they are my 'local' main dealer now