How to Install Harley Davidson Sportster Swing Arm Bearings

This video tutorial explains how to install the swing arm bearings on a Harley Davidson 2005 Sportster.
There is also a video explaining how to remove the bearings.

[@vaniatodorova2584]

Very informative and you make it look easy.

[@hing22]

Thanks, pleased that you like it

[@michaelchalk4262]

Thanks mate you were very clear, now I will do my 08 sportster

[@hing22]

No problem, if you have any questions, post on here 👍

[@michaelchalk4262]

I just removed the bearings the way you demonstrated and it worked really easy. Thanks

[@hing22]

@@michaelchalk4262 that's great to hear, pleased that my video helped.

[@kyleeklund2930]

Do you know offhand if there is an bearing preload procedure or if it's just torquing them down to the 70ft lbs?
My manual speaks of no preload procedure but I wanted another opinion...
Thanks!

[@hing22]

For my model, which is 2005, there is no preload for the bearings. This type of bearing does not require preloading. I just tighten to the correct torque.

[@alicesrustychains6767]

Hahaha love the name of this channel lol

[@hing22]

Thanks! Lol

[@steilwandrijder]

Any video how to get the swing arm off the bike ? Nice videos about the bearings

[@hing22]

I haven't made a video for that. But it's quite straight forward, don't rush and be patient:
1) Remove rear caliper and reservoir.
2) Remove belt guards.
3) Jack bike up so rear wheel is just off the ground.
4) Remove rear wheel axle.
5) Push wheel forward, remove belt.
6) Remove wheel.
7) Remove lower shock mountings.
8) Remove bolts from each side of swing arm pivot.
9) Remove swing arm.

[@steilwandrijder]

@@hing22 how old is that sportster? Mine is 97 but i got al that out only not the bolts wheel is at sprayer for refurb belt drive to . Thanks john

[@hing22]

@@steilwandrijder mine is a 2005. I know that the model changed at 2003, so your swing arm attachment may be different. Japanese bikes that I've worked on, have a nut and a long bolt which goes right through from one side to the other.

[@kyleeklund2930]

Its hard for me to tell from the video, but I just installed 2 new swingarm bearings in a brand new swingarm, and from the looks of your video it looks like they pivot in all directions fairly easily.
My new bearings in my new swingarm have absolutely no movement whatsoever, I cannot get them to pivot in either direction. Any ideas?

[@hing22]

Correct, the bearings that I installed do pivot in all directions and the same as the originals that I removed. The reason for choosing these bearings is to allow for any minor misalignment.
If the bearings that you have installed are the recommended part then they should be fine.

[@sean1385]

if you put em in the freezer theyll side in a bit easier

[@hing22]

Yes this would help