Any issues with replacing the stock ball bearings with roller bearings? Pros? Cons?

Thanks!

 

On the wheels? I have not heard of this being done or even possible but I guess anything is. Have you found roller bearings to fit? I always do the steering head but never heard of wheel done.

 

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.

 

+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.

 

Needle bearings have less tolerance for side loads... The wheel bearings experience high sideloads... There is a reason nobody's done it...

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Not sure who your asking that of.... since no one suggested doing so..... (the OP spoke of using roller bearings and posted a pic of cylindrical roller bearings).

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?

 

Harley-Davidson used tapered wheel bearings up to 1999 model year. They are high maintenance as they reqire inspection and reseal, with new wheel seals and grease, every 5k.

 

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!!!

 

There you go, the perfect reason NOT to use them....... btw, funny how it only took them 96 years to figure that one out.... lol