IMPORTANT - Please Read (flange Bearings)

[Tapper]

I've been contacted by the NHTSA, and discussed the flange bearing issue with them. They have requested our members provide a report of problems. If you have had a flange bearing failure, please take a minute to post here.

In addition, you should browse the following link, and file a report of the failure with the NHTSA:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Please limit responses to your personal experience. Chatter or responses which do not contain reports of failure will be summarily deleted. Please stick with facts only. No editorializing of any kind.

If you have had a bearing failure in the final driven flange assembly,
please take a few minutes and post the following information:

Approximate date of failure: (when did this happen?)

Year of Manufacture:

Model: (which model you have)

Bearing Condition: (how did you determine bearing was bad - was it rough? come apart?)

Accident : (did it result in any sort of an accident?)

How fixed: (Dealer? Bearing shop? Was it covered under warranty?)

Additional remarks: (any other pertinent information)

[Tapper]

Approximate date of failure: April, 2002

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX1800C

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.

Accident : None

How fixed: Entire flange assembly was replaced by dealer (Plano Honda) under warranty.

Additional remarks: Discovered while replacing worn tire.

[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]

Approximate date of failure: October 2004

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800C

Bearing Condition: Removed rear wheel to install aftermarket wheel. Bearing was shot.

Accident : No

How fixed: Dealer - purchased new bearing

Additional remarks: Bike was brand new - never ridden when we discovered the bearing was shot.

[Hawkeye1]

failed March 2004

2003 VTX1800C

found while replacing rear tire,inside bearing coming apart

no accident

replaced under waranty

[LoneWolf]

Approximate date of failure: July 2002 and September 2004

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800R

Bearing Condition: Rough and chattering when turned.

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced by dealer under warranty

Additional remarks: Bad bearing found when replacing tire both times.

[Duc]

Approximate date of failure: July 2003

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX1800C

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and made a grinding sound.

Accident : None

How fixed: All bearings in rear assy. were replaced by dealer (Woods Honda) under warranty.

Additional remarks: Discovered while riding approx 100 miles from home.

[Rickie]

Approximate date of failure: July 2002

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX1800R

Bearing Condition: Bearings turned with dificulty and made a grinding sound.

Accident : None

How fixed: All bearings in rear assy. were replaced by dealer (Macomb Cycle in Mt.Clemens, MI) under warranty.

Additional remarks: Discovered during 8,000 miles rear tire replacement.

[BigRedXer]

Approximate date of Failure: Unknown, checked because of warnings on this board.

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX 1800R

Bearing Condition: Turned Rough & Chattering when rotated. Upon removal of Final Drive Flange found Metal shavings in grease.

Accident: None

How Fixed: Ordered new Flange Drive from dealer, with orders to check before shipment. I will be sending old one with metal shavings to NHTSA. Dealer was nice and gave 10% discount total cost to date $179.51

Addition Remarks: See photos at :
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data ... gs-med.JPG (http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3201bearing_shavings-med.JPG)
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data ... ng-med.JPG (http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3201bearing_shaving-med.JPG)
I would not have caught this had it not been for this site. My new tires had been installed and the mechanic must not have checked the bearings. I have only a few thousand miles on tires.
I filed my complaint and have been contacted by NHTSA.
PLEASE EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD A PROBLEM DO THE SAME.

[wtfot]

Approximate date of failure: 2/03

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800R
Bearing Condition: Fell apart
Accident : No

How fixed: Tapper Warranty probably but fixed locally

Additional remarks:

[JimAC]

2002 VTXc
Aprox failure date 7/03
Aprox 14,000 miles
Found replacing tire
Bearing races intact cages broken ,seal out
No accident
Bought and installed new flange assy.

[hermultra]

APPROXIMATE DATE OF FAILURE: FOUND 3/10/05

YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 2003

MODEL: VTX1800C

MILES: 6,700

BEARING CONDITION: TOTALY DISTROYED

ACCIDENT: NONE

HOW FIXED: DEALER (XTREME POWER SPORTS) TAMPA FL. WARRANTY
REPLACED 7-PARTS HUB,BEARINGS,AXIAL, ECT.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS: THIS FLANGE BEARING MUST HAVE BAD FROM THE GET-GO THE HUB WAS TOTALY EAT-UP WITH DEEP GROOVES (THREE) ALSO AXIAL.

[wayne]

Approximate date of failure: 5/4/04
VTX 1300s
2003
Miles: 19000
Bearing Condition: Totaly Distroyed
Accident: None
Found during tire replacement
Replaced myself

[wydeopenspaces]

Approximate date of failure: Feb 10 2005

Year of Manufacture:2002

Model: 1800C

Bearing Condition: Bearing was coming apart...alerted by grinding noise

Accident :None

How fixed:Out of pocket expense...new bearings installed by local dealer

Additional remarks: Upon discovery of failed bearing, all wheel bearings were replaced

[BigRedXer]

Approximate Date: March 29th 2005

Year Man. : 2005

Model : New Final Drive Flange

Bearing Con.: Looked Great but had a tic tic feel when rotated. Just the inside bearing.

Accident : None

How fixed : Returned to dealer. They are ordering a new one.

Additional Remarks : I picked this up at Dealer. They didn't want to open it all the way just a small tear in plastic. It wasn't until I started to install it and made sure to rotate bearings individually that I felt the ticking of the inside bearing.
:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
IT HAD TO BE ROTATED A FEW TURNS SOMETIMES TO START, BUT ONCE IT STARTED IT WOULD GET WORSE. :evil: :evil:
:evil: BUYERS OF NEW DRIVE FLANGES CHECK THEM THOROURGHLY. :twisted:

[Papermaker]

2002 C

Found May 2004.

Replacing second rear tire at 17,600 miles. Found rough bearing, checked further and bearing cage was in pieces.

Replaced myself with double sealed bearings. Flange was OK.
No accident.

Steve

[Mindflyer]

Date Problem Found: 4/7/05

Year of MFG: 2001

Model: VTX1800C

Bearing Condition: Rough(Found during routine maint.) Cage holding ball bearings in the race was in several pieces. Pieces of the cage in both bearings.

Accident: No

How Fixed: Fixed at my expense, bike out of warranty.

[rab6]

Date problem found: July, 2005

Year manufactured: 2001

Model: 1800c

Bearing condition: Discovered the problem Because of Noise and vibration while driving. Bearings were fried.

Accident: No

How fixed: Dealer replaced all bearings and also rear wheel( Damaged by bearings going bad).

Additional remarks: Paid for all this out of pocket. And before knowing about this site and all the problems with these bearings. My Dealership knows nothing about this problem and I wonder if the new bearings put in will go bad or are already bad. I am worried.

[ozzie65]

Date of Failure: April 13th 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Model: 1300C

Bearing Condition: Very rough - chatters, tight.

Accident: No

How fixed: Bearings replaced at my cost. Bike out of warranty.

Additional remarks: Discovered when wheel was removed to replac worn tire. 11500 miles.

[ra1996]

:D Thanks to this site and Bareasse's excellent tire changing instructions I found my bearing to be bad also. :evil: Cage was in several pieces and bearing was very rough. Much more would of caused damage to the wheel.

2002 1800c
Date failure found, 22 April 2005
Mileage 26,400
Found while changing tire

[LarDog]

Approximate date of failure: April 2004

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800R

Bearing Condition: Outer bearing was rough when turned with fingers

Accident: None

How Fixed: Dealer replaced entire flange assembly under warranty

Discovered while replacing rear tire

[v2fast]

Approximate date of failure: March 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800 C

Bearing Condition: Has a very rough feel when spinning it. Has not yet come apart yet. 14,000 miles

Accident : No accident

How fixed: I fixed it myself, because warranty is up. Figured if i work on cars all day for a living, I can change out these bearings.

Additional remarks: I hope the new bearings last longer than the originals.

[honkerdogg]

Approximate date of failure: August, 2004

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX1800R

Bearing Condition:5 Bearings left in race housing...

Accident : None

How fixed: Entire flange assembly was replaced by dealer (Honda West FT. Worth) under warranty.

Additional remarks: Discovered while replacing worn tire at 21,000 Miles.
_________________
:shock:

[MySanity]

Approximate date of failure: May, 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Model: VTX1300C w/8000 miles

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.

Accident : None

How fixed: Entire flange assembly was replaced by dealer (Rockwall Honda) under warranty.

Additional remarks: Inspected bearings myself after reading this post.

[X Man]

Approximate date of failure: April, 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: VTX1800R/with 8000 miles

Bearing Condition: Bearings were rough and chattered when turned.

Accident : None

How fixed: Entire flange assembly was replaced by owner, at owner’s expense

Additional remarks: Discovered during inspection of flange bearings; after being made aware by VTXOA, of a possible problem.

[Captain_90]

I think I was one of the first ones to post in the fall of 03 that my bearings fell apart after only 14000 kms, or 8700 miles.

year 02 retro

Warranty replaced flange and bearings

Accedent, yes later, totalled but had nothing to do with bearings

[john1836]

Failed, 31,000 miles (flat tire then noticed when changing). 2002 C model 1800 VTX. Replaced under extended warranty, no accidents. :roll:

[lockman55]

dealer found bad when changing tire 22000 done under warranty 2002 retro

[kujat]

:( Date March 10 2005

2003 1800c discovered problem when changing rear tire at 9100 miles. Bearing seals were totally gone, bearings were intact but grinding .

Accident; none

flange replaced under warranty ,did work myself. Discovered the distance collar that went inside flange was missing, dealer said flanges were on back order, took 2.5 weeks to receive. I believe there was never a distance collar installed to begin with. Distance collar is not included with flange so if disassembling yourself,check to see if collar is installed.

Approximate date of failure: June 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800S

Bearing Condition: Came apart

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced by motorcycle repair shop at my cost

Additional remarks: Discovered when replacing rear tire, mileage was 42760 km (26725 miles)

[madd mike]

Date failed 6-17-05

2002 Retro 25K miles

gritty bearing catchin found w tire change

replaced w new aftermarket bearing

[mbrown]

Date: 16 July 05
2003 VTX C
Bearing Condition: The bearing was coming apart. Only a few bearings left in race.
No accident.
Found when I asked for it to be inspected when getting new tire installed.
Fix: Dealer has bike in shop/ part on order.

Additional: I asked for the bearing to be inpected due to reports from the VTXOA. Dealer says he has no knowledge of any others having problems, so I showed pictures from our web site and he says he will contact Honda on the problem. Past experience says it will not do any good.

[DannoX]

date of failure: 7-2005
year: 2002
model: 1800c
bearing condition: turns stiff,rough and noisy when riding
accident: none
how fixed: replaced the bearings from a local bearing dealer
additional remarks: purchased bike 7-2004 and only 3600 miles

[AKJason]

date of failure: 7-2005
year: 2003
model: 1800C
bearing condition: Flange assembly had a 'tick' when you spun the bearings. Also a varnish buildup on inner surface indicating heat.
accident: none
how fixed: Replaced with new bearings myself
Additional Remarks - Bike only has 7,000 miles on it.

[Big Poppa]

My final drive flange bearings have failed twice on me. I now have 32k on my bike.


approx. date of occurence: 1st time- Aug 03 approx. 15k miles, 2nd time- Nov 04 approx. 25k miles

Year of manufacture: 2002

Make/Model: Honda VTX1800 Retro S model

Bearing condition: 1st time- inner bearing was totally shot, 2nd time- both bearings were seized up and would not turn. both times whining sound was observed.

Accident: None

How was repaired: I replaced both sets of bearings in a machine shop I work at. I was unaware that I could get bearings repaired under warranty. Honda shop could not sell me just the bearings only the flange assy. I went to a local bearing house and bought the bearings out of pocket for approx. $50 for each set.

Additional remarks: On the 1st occurence the bad bearings were found by a tire mounting technican that I had asked about possible whining noises I had heard but couldn't locate. He then found that inner bearing was bad but not the outer so I replaced them both anyway. On the 2nd occurence the bearings were discovered while also changing tire and following a simple check up procedure. I inspect them everytime the wheels is off.

[Hermit]

Date of failure......................... Found August 17th 2005.
Year manufactured...................2001
Model......................................2002 1800"C"
Bearing condition......................1/3rd of the bearings no longer exist
and the bearing race is toast!
No accident
Found while changing rear tire.
Not fixed yet.
This COULD have been very bad for me!
25,000 miles on scoot.

[XRAY22MIKE]

2002 C MODEL:HERES MY STORY: AUGUST 04, 6500 MILES, KAWASAKI DEALER WHO SOLD ME NEW TIRE.(HONDA DEALER WOULD NOT MOUNT 200 METZ FOR ME BECAUSE HE SAID IT WOULDN'T HANDLE RIGHT) THOUGHT THE BEARING WAS BAD WHEN MOUNTING NEW TIRE, HE CALLED HONDA SHOP AND WAS TOLD NO WAY, THAT VALKERIES USE THE SAME BEARINGS AND THE DEALER HAD NEVER SEEN A FAILURE IN LESS THAN 25000 MILES. I WAS ALREADY 6 HRS LATE LEAVING FOR STURGIS,SO I SAID GOOD ENOUGH AND LEFT. AUGUST 05, 12600 MILES NEW TIRE AT RICE HONDA IN RAPID CITY SOUTH DAKOTA, I ASKED THE TECH TO CHECK THE BEARINGS AND SURE ENOUGH FLANGE BEARING WAS SHOT. SEALS OUT AND GRINDING. NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE. RODE HOME(600MILES). STILL NOT REPLACED. WHATS THE BEST WAY TO FIX THIS THING? MIKE PS. RICE HONDA IN RAPID CITY WAS GREAT,THEY SPENT AT LEAST AN EXTRA HOUR LOOKING AT THE BEARING AND TRYING TO LOCATE PART IN THE AREA. LOOKS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMEONE FOR AN EXCHANGE BUISNESS MIKE

[Sundog]

Date of failure- Aug. '05

Year-2003

Model-1300S

Bearing condition-Seals gone, balls falling out

Accident- No

How fixed-Fixed it myself after removing wheel for new tire install

[jeffdeb]

VTX 1800 Retro 2002
Flange bearing discovered bad when changing tire at 12000 miles. Bearings coming out

[vtxfrnkln]

Just checked flange bearing while changing the tire and found a rough feel to it so i changed them out and after the new ones were in they feel exactly the same as the set i took out so i don't know what to think.I put it all back together and i am gonna put another rear tires worth of miles on the bearings and check them again,After taking the old rough ones out they felt like there was not a thing wrong with them so i guess i may have wasted 60 bucks on bearings.Oh well there is a new set in it now so i should feel good about it.I have an 02 C 1800 with 50,000 km on it
Take care all ,Dale.

[dan's vtx]

2002 VTX 1800c2

Bearing failed September 14, 2005, found while changing rear tire had a grinding noise and was hard to turn.
Ordered new bearings and new flange assembly bike has 47,147 miles and this is my first failure for this bearing

[StarsJ]

Approximate date of failure: Sept 05

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX1800R

Bearing Condition: very rough when turned

Accident : None

How fixed: will be replaced when put back together

Additional remarks: Discovered during tire replacement at 7500 miles
_________________

[vtxbreeze]

Just replaced a tire on the back and as always checked the bearings and found the flange bearings to be rough, removed the flange and took it to the Honda shop, everyone agreed it was bad, but no help, no parts in stock and no help from service unless bike is in shop. I found bearings locally and replaced them myself.

2002 1800 Retro
Found problem 9 16 05
Bike is still under warranty, for what that is worth, I paid for repairs.
Rough feeling movement, inner bearing had come apart and the outer bearing was intact but grease was dry
No accident involved, found during routine inspection while changing a tire.

[Raptor]

Approximate date of failure: unknown; discovered during tire change on 09/21/05

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800C

Bearing Condition: Grinding and very difficult to turn

Accident : none

How fixed: Dealer contacted Honda and Honda said replace entire flange bearing assembly; all repair costs to be covered under Honda extended warranty

Additional remarks: mileage at time of discovery = 14,834; no indications anything was wrong with bearing until rear wheel was removed during tire change and the bearing inspected

[L-man]

2003-c / 1800
bearing loose , rough and rough
no accident , thank God
bearing replaced by dealership in San Antonio

[arkie]

Approximate date of failure: July 2005

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800R

Circumstances: Squeal coming from rear wheel at 3000 miles. Removed rear wheel to replace tire and noticed that bearing rotated roughly.

Accident : No

How fixed: I paid HDL $130 for part and installed it myself.

Additional remarks: Took bike under warranty to dealer when squeal first started. Dealer said that nothing was wrong and he could not hear the squeal. Apparently he had a convenient case of poor hearing. Found the problem myself after the warranty expired when replacing rear tire. There should be a recall and I should be reimbursed for the part and my time.

[Dan Osier]

Approximate date of failure: Oct 05

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800C

Circumstances: Squeal coming from rear wheel at 32000 miles. Removed rear wheel to replace tire and noticed that chunks of metal were in the moly paste lube.

Accident : No

How fixed: Did my own work, replaced flange and wheel bearing was frozen. Hopefully Honda will honor as a recall and take care of all the flange failures.,

Additional remarks:

i have an 1800 c 04 bearing is rough and real noisey milage is between 4500 to 5000 fixed under extend warn

[Dtoolman99]

Approximate date of failure: 11/05 52500 miles

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800 Retro

Bearing Condition: Seal gone and some balls were missing

Accident : none

How fixed: Dealer replaced bearings only under warranty

Additional remarks:Found while I was replacing tire,knew about a possible problem and inspected them

[Gassman]

Thank you, Tapper, for bringing this to our attention!!! If I hadn't read your post, I might never have known (at least until it was too late :shock: )

Approximate date of failure: After seeing the post on this issue, I had the rear wheel pulled 22 NOV 2005. Originally it was to be at my expense (better safe than sorry...), but after seeing the condition of the bearing, the service manager at 35 North Honda took care of the full cost for replacement and labor under (extended) warranty. GREAT SERVICE!!! The outer rim of the larger bearing housing had desintigrated, leaving the ball bearings essentially loose in the wheel recess. Both bearings were bad, but the rear wheel had not been damaged.
Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800C
Bearing Condition: Using my retrospectroscope, I can now see that the bike seemed to "drag" under heavy acceleration, and that it did not seem as responsive as before. But without reading of this problem and going to the trouble of pulling the wheel and inspecting the bearing , I'd have had no other real indication prior to (possible catastrophic) failure.
Accident : None.
How fixed: Completely serviced under warranty by 35 North Honda of New Braunfels, TX (Again, GREAT service :D )
Additional remarks: Silver lining here: great chance to get the wheels polished! 8)

[Marshmutt]

Final Drive Flange bearing failure at 7145 miles. VTX1800C model purchased June 2001. Bearing failure discovered when rear wheel removed for tire change. Note: Stealer now charges $201 for entire gear assembly. Honda no longer stocks just the bearing!

[DonG]

Approximate date of failure: 11/05

Year of Manufacture: 2003 - 27,500 miles

Model: 1800 Retro

Bearing Condition: Rough rolling

Accident : none

How fixed: Going to Dealer to get it replaced under warranty

Additional remarks:Found while I was remounting rear wheel.

[hoosierx]

Date of failure:3/06

Year of Manf.: 2002 45,000 miles

Model: 1800R

Bearing condition: Noticed it was rough when changing a tire. Inside bearing track is coming apart.

How fixed: I'm going to order a new flange assy. unless someone knows how to order just the bearing.

[vtxpoe]

After several trips to the dealer to get some new tires, (they never had the 180 rear for my 1800C), I finally ordered a set of the Bridgestones from DirectLine. These were a great deal and came right away. Not having a convenient way to get home from the dealer and not wanting to wait I decided to pull the wheels myself, check the bearing, and just drop the wheels by the dealer and let them do the install. Sure enough the bearing was failing, almost to hard to turn with your fingers. It would lock up at certain positions. The opposite side bearing was smooth as glass. I dropped off the wheels and tires and requested they inspect the bearing. I have only 4874 miles on my 2002 1800C but have the 48 month extended which is good through Nov. 2006, which I thought would cover the bearings Well guess what ? Nope. $135.56 later I'm out the door and not happy. They said they called Honda and they wouldn't cover it. I'm getting ready to call Honda and file the report with the NHTSA as recommended here. Just thought you would like to know. :x

[6FT8INER]

02C, 29223 MILES. I WAS HAVING THE TIRE CHANGED AND CHECKED THE BEARING. ROUGH. HAD THEM REPLACED. SEE PHOTO.[/img]

[xpense]

Date of Failure: Discovered 4-4-06
Year of manufacture: 2002
Model: VTX 1800 R
How determined: New tire install-Bearings rough, dry.
Accident: None
How fixed: Ordered new replacement assembly.
Additional remarks: Had the bike on the stand just last week and spun the wheel several times. Did not hear anything I shouldn't have. Had mechanic check and upon teardown, he showed where the bearings were beginning to fail--ordered a change right then.

[Parson 55]

Date of failure discovery: 04/18/06
2002 VTX 1800 C

No accident. Had mechanic check when rear tire replaced because of reading posts on this board.

One bearing disenetergated, the other very rough.

Replaced with bearings other than Honda

[DonG]

After replacing the bearing this past March I took the wheel off today to change a tire, the bearing was trashed again with less then 800 miles on it.
This was replaced by Honda (bearing only) and now the wheel is sitting in their shop again.. :evil: There were pieces of the bearing all over the flange and in the final gear area with none actually on the gear itself, also about 6 or 7 balls completely gone.

I told the service guy to have his ace mechanic check the ID of the flange before installing the new bearing the last time and they never did. This time were trying to get a new flange asembly which probably won't be any better then the first, what a friggin deal.. :evil:

[zzzzmidnightzzzz]

Date of Failure discovery - 4-24-06

2002 VTX 1800C

20,000 miles

No Accident

Felt grinding and noise from tire when turning. When I removed the tire this is what I found :shock:

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/59252006_0424FlangeBearing0039-med.JPG

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/59252006_0424FlangeBearing0029-med.JPG

I've read so much about getting bad parts right out of the box that I don't know where to get a replacement from :?

Any suggestions??

[FletchRides]

2002 1800C

Date of Manufacture-May,2002
Date of failure-April 28, 2006
Accident-No
How Discovered-Rear tire change at 17300 miles

Got the bike home from the dealer that changed the tires. Put it up on Pepsx stand for cleaning and decided to start it up and let it run in gear to check for noise. I heard it grinding and in 5th gear idleing the wheel locked up. Needless to say I'm not a happy camper.

[VTEEMan]

Approximate date of failure: May 2006

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800C

How determined: Morning ride with two up, noticed abnormal noise from the rear end.

Bearing Condition: Removed rear wheel and the bearing was almost seized, very hard to turn.

Accident: No

How it will be fixed: Purchase a new bearing form either HDL or Local Dealer

Additional remarks: I did not notice any noises until extra weight of passenger was applied and was out about 25 miles from home. Made it home slowly and safe via back road usage. No destruction of any other parts, but still checking out other bearings. Will probably replace all.

[MileHighX]

Date of failure: 5/04, 7/05

Year manufactured: 4/2001

Model: 1800C

How determined: Changing tire

Bearing condition: First one had lost most of the bearings, second one was had to turn.

Accident: No

How fixed: both replaced by dealer under warranty.

I bought bike new, and never use preassure washers.

[TooTall]

Approximate date of failure: May 1, 2006

Year of Manufacture: 2003 - 9000 miles
Model: VTX1800C

Bearing Condition: Rough bearing found when tire was changed

Accident : NO

How fixed: Covered under extended warranty

Additional remarks: The new bearing feels a slight bite rough, I suspect it will be failing prematurely.

[renovtx]

2003 1800 retro

12,000 miles - rear wheel and flange bearings replaced by dealer when replacing tires . ann arbor, mi.
20,000 miles - bike in dealer shop to replace tires, so far they are replacing rear wheel bearing,they say it would not turn. union city, tn.

[dale oliphant]

I have a 2003 c vtx with just 6600 miles had to change rear tire so got the new bearings from honda dealer he had one in stock ordered me the second one when i got wheel off the stock ones were fine parts guy said he stocks the bearing because it is used in one of the dirt bikes anyway i will save untill next time

[oneup]

grinding sound, no accident Replaced under warranty and have put over 70,000 on replacement bearing and no problems. Should be a recall there somewhere.

[PHATV]

Retro service manual;
http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/store ... D=68132634 (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=712&str=11&ID=68132634)
I would not recommend you changing these bearings as they are hard to do, and the reason they fail is because of a poor job of pressing them in.
They(2 bearings pressed in back-to-back) are in part #6

http://images.powersportsnetwork.com/fiche/images/Honda/2003/Motorcycles/3119_REAR%20WHEEL%20(VTX1800C).gif

This is exactly what I'm told, and my man is the man.
It's not the flange and if you mishandle them (the bearings) in the slightest when pressing the new ones in, they're junk again shortly.
Take it for what it's worth.
Mine were junk at 8500 for the rear tire change.
'03 1800C purchased 09/04, manufactured 08/02

I got mine here:
http://www.vxb.com/ (CA)
And Cycle World this month shows:
http://www.allballsracing.com/ (PA)

It's a 6905, 6905RS or a 6905RS2 depending on what they call it. Just search 6905 for starters. You need two, but as Spike said, find someone who understands the above before you need to do it again and again. I think my buddy said he pressed them using only the outside rim or something to make sure not to disturb the bearings/seals. Anyway, I'm right next to useless on this from a technical standpoint, but I think Spike knows of what he speaks and I know my buddy is one of the best in the land. The ones I got were double-sealed and he also seemed to think the fact that the original were only sealed on one side allowed them to be contaminated quickly from the packing grease (M-60 or something?) or whatever? I told him he should post it, but he said "Nah, you can't tell dem boys nuthin' ".
:wink:
Good luck,
PHATV

[humeston]

2002 1800C number 112
33000 miles
read your note, pulled rear wheel
bearing distroyed, inner 1/2 balls gone, outer not bad but a little rough
no accedent
will check clearance and correct before assembly

thanks for post
bob

[saltire]

2004 1800c 1800mls bearings damaged :(

[wagonman]

June 17 2006
2003
VTX1300S
Found flange bearings to be missing bearings.Cages were shot.23000 miles on bike.Found when replacing rear tire.
No accident.
Contacting dealer for replacement.

[Popeye]

Approximate date of failure: Jun 06 (discovered during tire change)

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800C

Bearing Condition: (bearing does not turn smoothly - obviously worn)

how did you determine bearing was bad - (was rough when turned)

Accident : (NONE)

How fixed: (Dealer)

Additional remarks: (approx 28,000 miles - last tire change about 10K miles ago - dealer did change no indication from them that bearing was bad at that change, however can't be sure they checked.)

[swedehansen]

Approximate date of failure: approx 7-06

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800C 47,000 miles

Bearing Condition: changing tire and bearing fell out in pieces.

Accident : no but it could have been ugly.

How fixed: dealer had none in stock. ordered for me. did not say it would be covered under my extended warranty.

Additional remarks: this should be a recall item.

[oneup]

Replaced at 28,000 miles Grinding sound coming from rear. Wasn't warrantied, My year was up.

[Ozzy]

July 13 06

O2 retro

NO accident, discovered by noisy rear end

29,100 miles

inner bearing missing 1/2 of the balls, outer bearing felt fine, dont trust dealers, replaced them myself, fairly staightforward install.

[powerhousevtx]

date of failure: 6/06 Flange bearing POS6905

model: '03 VTX 1800C ~9000mi

bearing condition: inner 6905RS OK, outer 6905RS rough to turn,
discolored; no grease in either bearing

no vehicle accident

how fixed: Honda of Hattiesburg, MS would not fool with it, Honda of
Columbia, MS replaced stock bearings under extended
warranty.

additional comments: PN 6905=not sealed
6905RS= sealed on one side
6905RS2=sealed on both sides
this info explained to me by a local industrial supply from where I
ordered bearings sealed on both sides (RS2). When the bearings
were removed from the flange assy., they were as stated in Spike's
article back-to-back open bearings. The grease had spun out all
over the wheel bearing, only contained by O-ring. kind of a sorry
design, in my opinion.

[djsams]

July 15 06

O3 retro

NO accident, discovered when changing rear tire.

7,300 miles

Not under warranty

Both inner and outer bearing rough.

[mxzxrider]

2003 1800C
15,000 miles.
Bearings completely gone.
They've been gone awhile I'm sure. Just a bunch of shrapnel.
Didn't feel or hear anything, just took everybody's advice to check it.

[powerhousevtx]

I just replaced my flange bearings too, and there is a spacer that the 6905 bearings ride on. Ref.#5
on the microfiche page, called a collar. PN42624-MCH-000 sells
for $7.45. The bearings have to be pressed onto this collar, then
both pressed together with collar into the flange. not too bad of a
job, mine worked out but I still have the wheel off polishing. When I get off this nite shift I'll be riding again!!

[GR8PHUN]

Replaced mine at 36,814.
Probably should have changed them at approx 27,000 miles when
I picked up a nail and replaced rear tire.
They were"scratchy"than.

Outer bearing was trashed.
3 balls missing
Flange housing had metal slivers in it..
Inner bearing was in very good shape.

Replaced both

[tegger]

I just changed my own tires again at 25,700 for a 3K trip in August. I checked my bearings again and they ARE STILL NICE AN SMOOTH! Just a FYI for everyone.
2002 1800 VTX Retro. :D

[Scattergun]

Approximate date of failure: 7/29/06

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800R - 26,055 miles

Bearing Condition: outer bearing rough to turn, inner bearing falling apart

Accident : no accident, found while replaceing tire. Had dealer check them when they mounted tire, took wheel home to put on bike and checked myself. Dealer tech doesn't know his butt from a hole in the ground.

How fixed: Will see if I can find bearings at local supplier and install myself. See note above.

Additional remarks: Why don't honda dealers know anything about this? When I talked to the tech at the dealer, he said he had never heard of bad flange bearings.

[PharmO]

2002 VTX1800C

Bearing Failure - June 2006, discovered during tire change, no accident or other damage done, 40 000 miles

Bearing Condition - both bearings destroyed

Bearing replaced at my cost through bearing shop, installed by my brother, did not go to dealer

Allan

[vtxcowboy]

Failed : 5/06 approx.
Model : 1800 C
Year :2002
Condition : outside- ok , inside - rough, hard to turn
Accident : none
How replaced : Self
Milage : 17,000
Warrenty : Didn't even Try

[gl1800_chat]

Approximate date of failure: 8/13/06

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800 R

Bearing Condition: Very Rough but still in one piece
Accident : None

How fixed: Honda Care :

Additional remarks: Called Dealer when I first read this in the begining of summer,, They said " stop reading this crap on the internet and enjoy my bike"... OK I pulled the tire 8/9/06 to replace rubber and checked bering and sure enough it is very rough and has issues just making a rotation,,
called Dealer this Sat morning , they said it is NOT covered... I said my bike only has 5678 miles on it,, they said not covered,,
Then I said,, Oh yes it is as I have Honda Care warnt till 2009.. :-))) They said "dont have part ,, will be 10 days" I said You can have the part by wednesday because there is one sitting in warehouse # 80,, worst case shipping is Wednesday,, [ Dont ask how I know that kind of stuff,, lets just say I "work" on computers for a living.. :-),,

They say we will have part on Wednesday,,, I say thanks and hang Up,,
I FEEL like I did something bad and Im hastling Honda,, I never got the feeling that Honda wants to be premptive with a serious safety issue... Bad Move for a 46 Yr old guy who is on the edge of going over to the dark side,,
PS: I also own a GL1800, ST1300, and a VTX1800,, They could loose a good customer with attitude like that,,,

[Hunchback]

Approximate date of failure: 11/05

Year or manufacture: 2002

Model VTX 1800 R

Bearing Condition: welded to shaft and housing missing races and or balls.

Accident : None

How fixed: Took it to an independant repair place

Additional Remarks: I was hearing noise and started looking through tech section. Found comments about flange bearing, so I took it in and had repair shop check. I think comment on price was $150 on VTXOA board.
I paid over $200. I had to replace housing as bearing was welded (due to failure). I did not check to see if it was warranty work since they were saying on boerd that Honda would not cover it. Bike had about 14000 miles and I was buying second set of tires when I had flange bearings replaced.

[HDKLR]

Approximate date of failure: Discovered on August 19, 2006, with approx. 17,500 miles on the odometer.

Year of Manufacture: 2003.

Model: VTX1800C.

Bearing Condition: Bike clunked while riding and buzzed at higher speeds. Upon removal of the rear wheel, the bearing was stiff and felt rough. When I removed the flange from the hub, I discovered dozens of pieces of the bearing inside the hub.

Accident: No.

How fixed: I had the new bearing pressed into the flange by a bearing shop. The bike is no longer under warranty.

Additional remarks: None.

[phase1]

Approximate date of failure: (summer of 2001)

Year of Manufacture: 1999

Model: Valkyrie Tourer

Bearing Condition: (bearing come apart)

Accident : (no accident, but I was doing 65MPH, just lucky, had to be flatbeded to dealer)

How fixed: (Dealer. Was covered under warranty)

Additional remarks: It's ashame to see this problem still exists and I worry about my VTX1800c. I've been riding Hondas since the 70's maybe it's time to re-think things. And they are going to build planes?

[bsambini]

Approximate date of failure: October 25th 2006

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX1800 C

Bearing Condition: completely disintegrated

Accident :no

How fixed: myself

Additional remarks: while changing a flat I had noticed that the bearing was rough. I took it to the dealer he said he was normal wear. I have extended warranty but Honda would not fix it. As a matter of fact they said that warranty only fixed factory defects,that's all!

[realmccoys]

Approximate date of failure: (summer of 2006)

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800 23000 miles

Bearing Condition: Frozen to shaft

Accident : None Found during tire change

How fixed: (Dealer. Was covered under warranty)



Approximate date of failure: (summer of 2006)

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Model: VTX 1300 13000 miles

Bearing Condition: Frozen to shaft

Accident : None found during tire change

How fixed: (Dealer. Was covered under warranty)

[Neustadt]

Approximate of failure: Dec. 06

Year of Manufacture: 11 month of 2001

Model: VTX 1800 Retro 40650 km

Bearing Condition: inside bearing was half gone (ball bearings), outter was taking all the weight

Accident: None found during tire change

How fixed: My self, just new bearings

Additional remarks: When I had the tire off the flang bearing looked fine from the out side and felt OK. For the time it takes I just took the big C clip off and pulled the drive out of the wheel, from the bottom side I could see that the inner bearing was N.F.G. I do relize that these bearings doen"t take the weight of the bike, but if left go long enough it will cause damage to eaither the drive gears or the axle or both if left long enough.
For the time it takes I would recomend that everytime the tire is off the flang bearing should be looked at real close. :wink:

[isp7562]

DATE OF FAILURE: 12/31/2006

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 2002

1800 C 19000 MILES

BEARING CONDITION: INSIDE BEARING OUTER HOUSING WAS MISSING VERY ROUGH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SPIN

ACCIDENT: NONE LOCATED PROBLEM DURING TIRE CHANGE

TAKEN TO HONDA DEALER

[kevtx]

Approximate date of failure: January 23, 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX1800R

Bearing Condition: 8 Bearings left in race housing...

Accident : None

How fixed: Taken to dealer to replace and installed.

Additional remarks: Discovered while replacing worn tire at 37,000

[DEVTXTC]

Date of Failure: 9/2006.

2004 1800 C

Inner Flange Bearing had about 1/3 of the bearings missing. Axle bearings turn smoothly.

No Accident thankfully!

Repaired myself at 8,600 mi. during winter maintenance/mods. no warranty. 2/07

Noticed a slight "whirring" sound at highway speeds when "leaning" bike to one side or the other.

[RogerBzVTX]

DATE OF FAILURE: 3/17/2007

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 2002

1800 C 31000 MILES

BEARING CONDITION: VERY ROUGH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SPIN

ACCIDENT: NONE LOCATED PROBLEM DURING TIRE CHANGE

SHipping Flange Housing and new bearings to Tapper

Replacing bearing with 6905rs2's

[GACPRO]

DATE OF FAILURE: 4/04/2007

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 2003

2004 1800 N 39000 MILES

BEARING CONDITION: MILDLY ROUGH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SPIN WASHED BEARING AND METAL PIECES FELL OUT. SOME BEARINGS WERE MISSING. INNER BEARING WITH RUBBER SEAL, OUTER BEARING WAS OK.

ACCIDENT: NONE LOCATED PROBLEM DURING TIRE CHANGE

HOW REPAIRED: BOUGHT THE BEARINGS FROM THE LOCAL DEALER, TOOK FLANGE TO MACHINE SHOP AND HAD THEM INSTALLED. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANY BUT BIKE WAS ALREADY APART.

BEARING COST: $25.00 LABOR :$40.00 TOTAL = $65.00

DEALER WANTED IN EXCESS OF $200 FOR FLANGE ASSEMBLY.

[dockboss]

Date of failure 1-07

Date of manufacture 2003

2003 1800 R 25k

Bearing condision: Rough

Accident; none felt funny two up at eighty and on jack

How Repaired; done by dealer under warranty

[tcreedy1]

VTX1800C 2002 Model Year

Date bearing discovered 4/22/07

22,500 miles

Bearing had fallen to pieces.

Dealer has to back-order parts - 5 days wait time - crap!

No accident - just appears to be water damage to bearing.

[Bad Bob]

Approximate date of failure: April 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800 Retro

Mileage: 20,885

Bearing Condition: Bearing rough- hard to turn

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced flange assembly- fixed myself

Additional remarks: Found when replacing rear tire

[lswartz]

Failure Date: March 2007 Date of mfg.: 2002 2002 1800c 52,185 miles bearing came apart. discovered when tire was removed for replacement. Bought and installed bearings myself. Figured that at this milage, no warranty. No accident involved.

[hilf]

Discovered May 13 (Mothers Day) while preparing for a tire change. The

Bearing Condition: missing many balls and the dust cover was destroyed, , no sign of missing balls, pieces of metal found along the gear teeth

Mileage: 37,000 plus a little
I have no idea how long this was defected but I had no more than 6,000 miles on the last set of tires and no problem was noted last May when the tires were replaced.

Model: 1800 R, 2003

Repair Plan: bearings ordered, will do the repair per the service manual instructions with help from friends

[scup]

Approximate date of failure: May 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800 Retro

Mileage: 20000

Bearing Condition: Bearing rough- hard to turn

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced flange assembly- fixed myself

Additional remarks: Found when replacing rear tire

[Condolini]

Approx. date of failure - May 2007
Model - 2003 C
Mileage - 20,445
Bearing condition - Dealer discovered failure at tire change
Accident - No
How fixed - Parts on order, will be repaired by dealer

Will call Honda on Tuesday to see if there's any reimbursement. Tech said he'd never encountered this type of failure on a VTX.

Good think I have a backup bike to ride when I leave on vacation next week!

[bluto]

Approx. date of failure - May 2007
Model - 2003 R
Mileage - 50000
Bearing condition - Feels pretty galled up
Accident - No
How fixed - me :wink:

[X-Brit]

Approx. date of failure - May 2007, discovered when installing new tire.
Model - 2002 C
Mileage - 27000
Bearing condition - Outer bearing rough, both races galled, no lubricant in bearing. Inner bearing O.K.
Accident - No
How fixed - Pressed in new bearings

[bobonaboat]

Approx. date of failure- May 2007
Model '02 1800C
Mileage- 41k
Bearing condition- rough- 1 disentegrated when driven out.
Accident- No
Discovered upon tire change
How fixed-me, myself, and Jake

[BIGDAVE55]

Approximate date of failure: June 8th 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX1800R

Mileage-23000.

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.

Accident : None

How fixed: Replaced bearings with after market
Additional remarks: Discovered while replacing worn tire.

[sthncanic]

Approximate date of failure: June 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800S

Mileage: 12000

Bearing condition: Retainer and seall gone in second bearing metal in Grease and very hard to turn

Accident: No

How fixed: Bought and replaced the Bearings myself

[gregory940]

Approximate date of failure: June 2007
Year of Manufacture:2004
Model: 1800C
Mileage: 11000
Bearing condition: both the 6905's were bad! found when replacing tire
Accident: No
How fixed: local dealer pressed them out and replaced

[chadx]

Approximate date of failure: June 2006
Year of Manufacture:2003
Model: 1800C
Mileage: 8500
Accident: No
How fixed: local dealer replaced under 5 year warranty (they paid for parts, I for labor).

I went in to schedule a new rear tire replacement and asked if they had bearings on hand in case we found the bearings bad when the wheel was off. He said he'd never heard of such a thing and that they woundn't order or stock a part for a "what if". I showed him the page after page of failures from this site. He said we'd worry about it when we got off the wheel. Well, a month later when we changed the tire, they found them bad. I had around 8,500 miles on the bike. They did have bearings in stock so I don't know if he ordered them after I was in or if they just happened to have some. He said they would start checking other VTXs when they were in for new tires. They hadn't been checking the bearings. That seemed strange to me. Even if they didn't know of the problem, why wouldn't they inspect all parts when the wheel was off? Isn't that part of any servicing was a quick check of everything they were working on? They didn't have an answer for that question. They took a LONG time to press the bearings. So I really don't have confidence that they did it as perfectly as these bearings seem to require. I guess I'll find out at next tire change.

[Uncleford]

Approx date of failure: July 2007
Year of VTX: 2002
Model: 1800C
Mileage 17,499
Bearing condition. Rough turning, chattering.
Accident: No
Not fixed yet. Trying to find parts

My story is about the same. I was changing my rear tire, checked the bearing and it would barely turn over. At first I thought I was checking it wrong. It is only a problem on the left/flange side. The exhaust side bearing is fine.

[Covert]

I took my bike in to have a new rear tire mounted. The bike has 21,421 miles on it. The flange bearing was replaced under the extended warranty.
The other bearings were in good condition and didn't need replaced.

[Big Roop]

2002 vtx 1800r.
Checked my flange bearings when changing my rear tire.
outside bearing looked ok but felt a little gritty when turned.
Removed flange from rear wheel. Inside bearing completely destroyed.
Chages broken, bearings loose and falling out. Previously I would check
my rear wheel fro bearing play but it always checked ok. Felt a slight roughness in down shifting and a chirping noise at about 50mph.
A couple of days prior to removing the wheel had been cruising at about 90mph on interstate 64 in Indiana. Bike has 20k on it, how long the bearings have been bad who knows. The real way to check these bearings is to remove the flange. Called my local dealer and they claim never to have a problem with any such bearings. They state that they sell about 80 of these bikes a year. I think they a not being truthful. Imformed my friend who owns a bike shop and does a lot of tire business he will now check every flange bearing on every shaft driven Honda that he replaces a rear tire on.
I had no dmage to the flange or final drive unit. Replaced the bearings with a higher quaility double sealed bearing made by KYK corp. Bearing #61905LLU SR12 , Paid $22.00 each and pressed them in myself. :(

[BILLBO]

Approximate date of failure: July 2007
Year of VTX: 2002
Model:1800 S
Mileage: 18502
Bearing condition: Rough and coming apart when removed to replace tire
Accident: No
Repaired: Icon Motor sports

[DLewis]

Year 2002
Model VTX 1800R(s)
Mileage 30,500
Driven flange (A) inbd bearing ( p/n 6905RS) found failed during routine tire change. Bearing turned very rough by hand and upon visual inspection, found seal, gone, bearing cage disentegrated. Both wheel hub bearings feel and appear normal. Will try and procure bearings locally and install myself.

[RoadDawg]

'02 black C model 1800. It has been a while but just after the twelve month warranty period expired I was having the back tire replaced at a Dealer and was told that my "wheel bearing" was bad. I was taken to the shop where the mechanic showed me the Flange bearing thinking it was a wheel bearing. The dealer offered to sell me a new flange assembly but instead I found a replacement bearing at a local bearing company and replaced it myself prior to reassembly. To date I have over 38000 miles on the bike with no further issues in that area.

[tnretro]

Year 2002
Model VTX 1800R
Mileage 25000
Bearing condition - apart.
No accident
Fixed by shop while installing new rear tire.

[Apache]

Approximate date of failure---September 3, 2007

Year of bike---2002

Model---VTX1800C

Bearing condition---I heard a whining sound from the rear wheel. I raised the bike and spun the wheel and heard a grinding sound. After removing the flange I spun the bearings and there was definitely a rough grinding sound.

Caused by accident?---NO

How fixed---I replaced the bearings myself. Out of warranty.

[roughrider]

Near Failure - May 2007
Model-2003 C
Bearing condition- inside bearing was dry and outside bearing had very thin film of grease with no excess.
Accident-no
Found-checked the bearings while changing the tire because I had read about the failures on this site. Thanks
How fixed- cleaned and repacked with synthetic wheel bearing grease and plan to change out this winter. Have another 13k and so far so good.

[haywire]

Failure date, Sept 2007
Model, 2004 1800c
Mileage, 17500
Accident, No
Was changing the tires cuz leaving on a trip the next day and could not get anyone to do it on short notice, being a mechanic, I purchased the bearings and installed myself. One bearing was in self-destruct mode and the other was rough and dry. Repacked new ones with synthetic greese.

Date of Failure: dec 12 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2005

Model: 1800f

Bearing Condition: balls were galled up and welded together

Accident: No

How fixed: replaced by owner.

Additional remarks: Discovered when wheel was removed to replac worn tire. 18950 miles.

[Coldhands]

Approximate date of failure: winter 2003

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800C

Mileage: 6000

Bearing condition: Retainer and seall gone in second bearing metal in Grease and very hard to turn

Found by luck took wheel off to replace tires and crome

Accident: No

How fixed: Bought and replaced the Bearings myself

[VT_Tex]

Date of failure: Feb 2008

Year of manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800R

Mileage: 19000

Bearing condition: noticed the slight click-click-click during a tire change. Drove out the flange bearings very carefully with a hydraulic press and found that the ball cage on the inner bearing was disintegrated.

Accident: no

How fixed: by owner

[VTXChad]

Date of Failure: Jan 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800c

Miles: 24,000

Accident: no

How Fixed: by owner

Was changing out the rims to chrome ones and was replacing the bearing and the only one that was in bad shape was the flang. Was real gritty and grindy. Replaced it myself with bearing from Purvis Bearing service. They had all the bearing for the bike I needed and a whole lot cheaper than the stealership. www.purvisbearing.com (http://www.purvisbearing.com)

[BlurplexOK]

Date of Failure: Feb 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800R

Miles: 17,600
Accident: no

How Fixed: by owner

Was changing out the rear tire . The bearing were really bad, about half the balls were missing from both bearings. Replaced it myself with a set of bearings from a local Bearing service.

[Rosco1800]

Approximate Date of Failure: March 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Model: 1800 C

Miles approximately 9,500 to 10,000

Bearing Condition:Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.

Accident: No

How fixed: by owner

Was changing rear tire due to tire wear and because of this thread (thankfully) I checked the bearing and discovered the problem.

My NHTSA Complaint # is: 10220978

[battlestaar]

Approximate Date of Failure: March 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800 C

Miles: 16500

Bearing Condition: This is a double bearing. Inner bearing had lost its cage and one of the balls. The outer bearing was still intact but very rough when turned.

Accident: No

How fixed: by owner

That OEM bearing is a KOYO brand. The local bearing distributor told me that is a cheaper bearing. I replaced with a MRC brand - much more expensive. The KOYO is not a sealed bearing, but the MRC is. I used to work with bearings for the US Navy. The bearings in this application strike me as undersized.

[x2c]

Approximate Date of Failure: March 2008

Year of Manufacture:2004

Model:1800R

Miles 26,000

Bearing Condition: Bearing cage came apart

Accident: No

How fixed: By shop

[Shock Doctrine]

Failure app. March 2008, 2003 VTX C , had it checked when mounting new tire, mechanic just went ahead and put in new bearings. 8000 miles

[HIPPY_MAILMAN]

Bearing failed (replaced) july 13 2007.

2003 1800S purchased in 2005.

bearing still in tact but scarred.

no accident.

fixed at 12,000 service because I informed the shop to specifically check.I could hear a whirring on left turns at speed for aprox 3 months .also had been told about problem on other bikes.wanted it checked before cause worse problems or accident.
no longer under warranty

[whiteknuckles]

Just finished filing the complaint with the NHTSA. Same as most others had the grinding noise in the rear and when changing tire had the bearings checked and found the flange inner bearing in pieces, missing 1/4 of the rollers and both seals completely gone. I hope someday someone steps up and takes notice.

Approximate date of failure: 4/5/08

Year of Manufacture:2002

Model: 1800c

Bearing Condition: found in pieces during tire change

Accident : no accident

How fixed: Dealer at my expense

Additional remarks: No

[dhandshy]

Failure date: February 2008

Manufacture year: 2002

Model: 1800 R

73,000 mles

Condition: In pieces at tire change

No accident

Self fixed

[dhandshy]

Failure date: February 2008

Manufacture year: 2002

Model: 1800 R

73,000 mles

Condition: In pieces at tire change

No accident

Self fixed

[workman]

Approximate date of failure: April 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX1300s

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.

Accident : None

How fixed: Bearings were removed and replaced with new Honda OEM bearings.

Additional remarks: Discovered while replacing worn tire.

[Legal_Eagle]

Rear flange bearings failed on 3.25.07. Bearings on right side were in pieces. No accident. No noticeable sounds or problems. Discovered during routine inspection upon rear tire replacement. Replaced by dealer at my cost of approximately $150. 2003 1800C with 18,000 miles.

[majorcaliber]

Approximate date of failure: (when did this happen?)

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: R

Bearing Condition: Drive hub full of bearing debris

Accident : No

How fixed: Purchased part from dealer and replaced myself

Additional remarks: Goofy ass way to support flange.

[Okie Bob]

Approximate date of failure: May 24,2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003- 7,350 miles,

Model: R

Bearing Condition: Bearings was rough and chattered when turned.


Accident : No

How fixed: Purchased part from dealer and replaced myself

Additional remarks: Found tapper in bearing seat.

[RoadRyder]

Well, it's my turn.
2005 VTX-1800 F2
24,500 miles.
Self-destructed flange pilot bearing, no sign of rusting.
Found during periodic service/rear tire replacement. Replaced by mechanic.

[ScottyATC]

And another........

Approximate date of failure: June 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: C

Mileage: 13,500

Bearing Condition: Inner bearing completely destroyed...found when I changed out the tire....seal bulged out and metal pieces everywhere.

Accident : No

How fixed: Purchased part from bearing supply store and replaced it myself.......hoping it won't happen again!

[Empire6d]

Approximate date of failure: July 2007

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800R

Mileage: 68000

Bearing condition: bearings GONE

Found by luck took wheel off to replace tire

Accident: No

How fixed: Bought and replaced the Bearings myself

Received an e-mail and the NHTSA inspector wants to look at my bike. I will update this after he looks at it.

[vivisue]

And another........

Me, too.

Approximate date of failure: June 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: R

Mileage: 37000

Bearing Condition: Inner bearing completely destroyed...found when I changed out the tire....seal bulged out and metal pieces everywhere.

Accident : No

How fixed: Purchased part from bearing supply store and replaced it myself.......good grief.

[tomegofast]

2003 r 1800
found ruff flange bearing when changing out tire
replaced my self with all balls from hdl 28$ for all 4
9500 miles
bearings cage was broke in two spots and missing two ballbearing

[finalchecker]

Found inner flange bearing rough during tire change. The drive flange required machining to remove a taper in the bearing bore. Installed new bearings and flange now runs free. Milage on bike is 10000.
Model 2003 1800R

[Dublin_King]

Approximate date of failure: 12 July 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: VTX 1800 C

Bearing Condition: ball bearing retainer wire has broken apart

Accident : no accident

How fixed: Will fix it myself if possible.

Additional remarks: Found when I was tightening the axel after a wheel change and when I got to 40ft/lbs the wheel would not turn. Started investigation of wheel bearings at this point.

[white95s]

2005 1800 r

dealer found while replacing tires

bearing only

07/30/08

Out of POCKET$$$$

9100 miles

[chadx]

Approximate date of failure: Original Failure, July 2006. Current inspection, July 2008.
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Model: VTX 1800 C

Update to my previous failure. I have about 3,000 miles since the previous bearings were replaced by Honda under extended warranty (covered parts, but I had to pay for labor). I pulled the rear wheel last night to inspect and new bearings are showing signs of failing (unsmooth and resistant when turning bearings with finger). I reinstalled and will inspect again in one or two thousand miles. This next one will be on my dime unless Honda steps up.

[Wild101]

Discovered 6/25/08

2004 1800 C

Came apart, parts of cage and some bearings missing

Can not say it caused accident, but discovered while doing accident repairs.

Fixed myself

I went down on 15 mph left turn, I hit my helmet hard enough that I have no memory of the accident. Rear wheel lockup?? I don't know.

[WildThng]

Approximate date of failure: 08-17-08

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: 1800 R3

Bearing Condition: Largest bearing would not turn by hand. Middle size bearing was hard to turn and you could feel it hit flat spots. 2 smaller bearing which are pressed in together could not be turned by hand and the cage was missing on the inside one when removed.

Accident : No

How fixed: Ordered All-Balls bearing set and had replaced by dealer during tire change.

Additional remarks: No grinding or problem was detected until the tire change. I still have the old bearings. The pipe in the center of the wheel was not loose. The dealer explained that this pipe should float in the wheel and not be tight on inspection.

[skipdove]

I just replaced the rear bearings in my '03 1800R @12500 mi. One of the two sets was completely gone. Was advised to check them on advice from a friend with a '01 1800C, he had to replace his as well at 18000 mi.
I have not recieved any sort of notification regarding this problem from Honda and just got of the phone with them (866-784-1870) and they have no TSB's for this nor have they ever heard of the problem (they say !?)
My advice is to check them immediately.
Skip Dove, Alaska

[Shock Doctrine]

Bearings worn out at 8000 mi. relaced when putting on new tire, no accident. I paid. 2003 VTX.

[ohjonnie]

Had to replace rear tire at 8700 mi on my 2004 vtx1800c and discovered rear flange bearings compleatly distroyed.the inner bearing was worse than the outer .seal was blown out and bearing was totally disenagerated. the flange was still ok (amazing ).....I replaced bearings with skf and have 1500 mi on them .will recheck at 5k and see when failier happens and will post....very dissapointed...was going to buy a harley road king when I got this bike and hope I havent made a mistake but if i have Harley is still in buisiness

[Big_Iz]

Approximate date of failure: 08-1-08 (detected failure, was obviously bad for some time)

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800 C

Bearing Condition: Bearings hadn't separated yet, but the center sleeve took great force to turn

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced w/All Balls set after having machine shop correct the bore in the flange

Additional remarks: Machine shop checked flange bore, appeared to be "unfinished". The bore actually tapered slightly (.002") from the outside getting smaller towards the inner lip, causing the inside bearing to crush. Was about a .003" crush on the bearings, had that bored to a .001" difference

[Doogie5]

Just had mine repaired thank god!
My wife and I were going on a long trip from Jacksonville, FL to Nova Scotia.

I took the bike in for new tires (Metzlers) and the tech reported to me the bearing in the rear flange that had to be replaced. I looked at the condition and the ring was cracked and grease was out of it completely. He said if it completely failed I could of lost control of the bike!, and considering the trip was 5,000mi that could of happened.

Bike: 2003 VTX 1800R (Original Owner Brand New)

Mileage: 43,000

Symptoms: None

Discovery: Honda Tech, Jacksonville, FL

Repair: Complete flange replaced

[JGROOT]

Tapper,

I know this is an old post, but I replaced the tire on my 03 1800R yesterday. Checked the Flange Bearings. They are definitely very rough when being turned by hand. I did not have them replaced as the shop did not have them in stock. I had them ordered and will replace them when they arrive. Bike has 12,377 miles on it. No damage and no accident due to bearings.

[mevbo]

Approximate date of failure: (when did this happen?) 9-5-08 found bad

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: R

Bearing Condition: Intact, but very rough to turn

Accident : No

How fixed: Dealer doing for $186 Parts and Labor (Wheel off bike)

Additional remarks: Noticed a metal to metal sound when braking. Pulled my pads but they were fine? Noticed a wear ring on my rotor under where the pads hit? So I pulled the rear tire. The drive side housing feels to be grinding when I turn it, the right side seems OK but replacing.

[terrykrug]

Approximate date of failure: 11/1/08

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: R,S

Bearing Condition: Intact, but very rough to turn. 15000 miles

Accident : No

How fixed: Dealer doing it at my expense.

Additional remarks: I saw this posting and took bike to dealer to have checked. Dealer had not heard of this problem and has only replaced one other. Sure enough mine was bad, they were shocked this is going on without them knowing of it! This site ROCKS!!!! Might have saved my life!!

[Webhair1]

Approximate date of failure: 10/31/08 - detected failure when changing tire :( :evil: :evil: :evil:

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Model: 1800 C

Bearing Condition: One Bearing separated, The other caked tight.

Accident : No

How fixed: Replaced w/All Balls set

Additional remarks: 23,362 miles

[bigjohn]

2004 1300c
bearing rough while turning by hand. Found it while replacing the rear tire. Had bearing repaired at local cycle shop.

August 08. 10,000 miles.

[mark_1bx]

Well mine finally gave out. 11/09/2008 24000

[yuleeXrider (lewis)]

Just had mine changed while getting new tires.

03 1800 c, 103,090 miles.

[RedrdrX]

Date of failure. Approx April/May-08

2005

vtx1300c

Bearing condition: I heard a strange noise on that side of the bike. I put new tires on the bike so I thought I better check out the bearings while it was apart. And found that the final drive bearing was shot. Very rough. no grease.

Accident- No

How fixed: Me. All Balls. not covered under warranty

Approx 8,000 miles

[Sojourner]

Thanks to this forum I made the time to pull the rear wheel today and inspect all the bearings. The main bearings were fine but one of the two flange bearings was grinding. Thanks again for supporting this forum.

Approximate date of failure: 25 November 2008
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Model: VTX 1800C
Bearing Condition: One of the two flange bearings was grinding when I tested them.
Accident : No
How fixed: Replaced them myself with SKF 61905-2RS1 bearings. Both sides of the bearings have a neoprene seal.

Additional remarks: Not sure how long the bearing was grinding as I bought the bike used. It has 20,500 kilometers on the clock.

[POGOGOLF]

I just replaced the rear bearings in my '03 1800R @12500 mi. One of the two sets was completely gone. Was advised to check them on advice from a friend with a '01 1800C, he had to replace his as well at 18000 mi.
I have not recieved any sort of notification regarding this problem from Honda and just got of the phone with them (866-784-1870) and they have no TSB's for this nor have they ever heard of the problem (they say !?)
My advice is to check them immediately.
Skip Dove, Alaska
Changed mine at last rear tire change (at approx. 56K mile level), no accident, no symptoms - just felt it was time to check them due to the warnings from others here, FTR & FWIW, the first VTX's were actually in '02, not '01, mine was actually manufactured in June '01 but it was/is an '02 model, the first model year.

[sixwillwin]

Approximate date of failure: Found a few days ago during a tire change. Dec. 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: C model with 250 rear tire setup and modded swingarm

Bearing Condition: Bearings felt rough and most of rubber seal on inner was gone. After pressing out, inner bearing was missing half the balls and was eating itself up, outer bearing was rough but intact

Accident : No

How fixed: I am fixing myself. Found bearings at local bearing shop, picked them up and pressed them in myself (very carefully). Feels good and smooth. Will check them closely at the next tire change.

Additional remarks: Total cost was $16 for the 2 bearings. Service manual makes getting to the bearings a somewhat involved job, its not at all. When your wheel is off the bike, simply remove the large snap ring from around the flange assembly and then lift up and the whole assembly comes right out. You can leave the nuts attached.

[jaarch]

Approximate date of failure: Dec 2008

Year of Manufacture: 2005

Model: 1300S

Bearing Condition: rough

Accident : No accident

How fixed: Changed my self with "All Balls" replacement

Additional remarks: Would not have noticed if I hadn't changed the tire and checked the bearing. The wheel bearings were fine.

[ramrider]

Approximate date of failure: (when did this happen?) Sept 2008, approx 4000 miles

Year of Manufacture: 2003

Model: (which model you have) VTX 1800C

Bearing Condition: (how did you determine bearing was bad - was it rough? come apart?)
I was chasing a problem of bad tire cupping and bad vibration at expressway speeds. VTX had 180 miles on the odometer in May and 4000 miles in August.

Rear Wheel Bearings replaced: (2) Koyo 6905RS, (1) Nachi 6304NSE, (1) NTN TM-5204LUV5 I still have the bearings available for inspection.

Accident : (did it result in any sort of an accident?)
No accident, but scary handling

How fixed: (Dealer? Bearing shop? Was it covered under warranty?)

Replaced both front and rear tires but still had bad vibration after trying dynamic balancing and then Dynabeads. I decided to replace the bearings after seeing some remarks at web sites about wheel bearing problems. As the 2nd owner long past warranty, the dealer cost for one bearing was more than the whole set from DirectLine. With the bearing kits from Directline, my mechanic replaced the bearings in both the front and rear wheel and the vibration at highway speed is gone.

Replacing the bearings also cured I problem I was having with handling. Before bearing replacement, I could feel a snakey wiggle when I accelerated out of either a right or left corner. Since the new bearings were installed, I think I have a new bike.

Additional remarks: (any other pertinent information)
After he replaced the bearings, my mechanic commented that the bearings felt smooth with the standard "finger in the bearing bore spin test" and he probably would not have replaced them if he was doing standard trouble shooting. When I told him about the fantastic improvement in handling and the elimination of the high speed vibration, he was a believer.

I do not believe that the problem is the bearing manufacturer. My mechanic confirmed my observation that the (2) KOYO 6905RS bearings are only sealed on one side. The replacement bearings from DirectLine are sealed on both sides as they should be. I believe the bearing failure problem VTX owner's are having is caused by Honda installing the wrong bearing. I'm not sure why any Honda would install an open bearing in the rear wheel.

[BlueMaxMoe]

Approximate date of failure: Feb.2009

Bike: 2005 1300C

Bearing Condition: missing balls

Accident : No accident

fix = Honed housing and replaced my self with NKE (Austrian) replacement

Performed check while doing SlapJack mod -Wouldn't have checked if not for the notices I read on this board. Thanks to all
__________________

[manpig]

03 1800s 13k miles found inside bearing a little rough,no accident, and fixed myself

[ramrider]

Failed bearings discovered at 4000 miles

Here are the symptoms that led me to thinking about replacing the flange bearing before I took the wheel apart. However, when my MC mechanic inspected the bearings with the usual "spin the bearing on your finger" test after he took them out, he said he would not have replaced them.

If you have any of these conditions, thinnk about replacing the flange bearings
1. Vibration at high speed that made teeth rattle
2. Loose Axle Nut - I would tighten axle nut, ride for a couple of days and then check
torque only to find the nut loose again. Reason:Tightening the axle nut preloads the
compression on the bearings. Because the bearings are failing, the preload
compression fails and the nut comes loose.
3. Rear End Wiggle - When exiting either right or left turns, I would get a little wiggle
that caused some concern about the handling of the VTX.
4. Tire Cupping - OEM dunnies were severely cupped at 4000 miles

When you replace the flange bearings, be sure to check the steering spindle bearings.
The easiest way is to use a MC jack to get the front wheel off the ground then pull the front axle forward and backward. If there is any movement, loosen the Spindle Nut, tap the adjusting nuts. The factory service manual directions are very lengthy but keep in mind that when you re-tighten the Spindle nut to factory specs, you will change the bearing preload so you have to do the final adjusting procedure a couple of times. The service manual specifies a pull test to verify the steering torque. Use a calibrated spring scale so be sure that you do not over-tighten the adjusting nuts. The 2nd time you adjust the spindle bearings will take you less than 10 minutes. 5 minutes getting ready, 5 minutes making the adjustment. Its that simple.

[Chicago-Spike]

However, when my MC mechanic inspected the bearings with the usual "spin the bearing on your finger" test after he took them out, he said he would not have replaced them.

If you have any of these conditions, thinnk about replacing the flange bearings
1. Vibration at high speed that made teeth rattle
Flange bearings carry no load, they will not makle the bike vibrate
2. Loose Axle Nut - I would tighten axle nut, ride for a couple of days and then check torque only to find the nut loose again. Reason:Tightening the axle nut preloads the
compression on the bearings. Because the bearings are failing, the preload
compression fails and the nut comes loose. You're self-locking axle nut is worn out. Replace that and it won't loosen. As the flange bearings are inside a metal flange hub, you are not going to compress theose bearings at all.
3. Rear End Wiggle - When exiting either right or left turns, I would get a little wiggle that caused some concern about the handling of the VTX. Again, the flange bearings are only pilot bearings, they carry no load. Tire wiggle is either tire cupping or your loose axle nut or bad wheel bearings
4. Tire Cupping - OEM dunnies were severely cupped at 4000 miles This is common to the Dunlop OEM tires and happens on many makes of bikes so it is not the bearings, it is the low tire pressure that caused your tire cupping. Honda's recommended 33psi is too low, bump the pressures up to 38 to 40 and less cupping.

If your bearings spun fine as your mech said and if you spun them and they spun fine, they were OK. 8)

[ramrider]

Flange bearings carry no load, they will not makle the bike vibrate
You're self-locking axle nut is worn out. Replace that and it won't loosen. As the flange bearings are inside a metal flange hub, you are not going to compress theose bearings at all.
Again, the flange bearings are only pilot bearings, they carry no load. Tire wiggle is either tire cupping or your loose axle nut or bad wheel bearings
This is common to the Dunlop OEM tires and happens on many makes of bikes so it is not the bearings, it is the low tire pressure that caused your tire cupping. Honda's recommended 33psi is too low, bump the pressures up to 38 to 40 and less cupping.

If your bearings spun fine as your mech said and if you spun them and they spun fine, they were OK. 8)

The only response I have is that replacing the flange bearings corrected the problems.

You are right flange bearings carry no load but I believe that missing balls and crud in the bearing races will cause vibration.

Unless Honda uses worn out axle nuts when they build a VTX, the axle nut on my VTX is not worn out because they had never been touched before I checked the torque the first time.

Before I replaced the bearings and adjusted the spindle bearings, I replaced the tires with Metzler on front and Goodyear F1-GS Darkside on rear. With the new tire installation I tried both computer dynamic wheel balancing and Dynbeads and I still had the vibration problems

It is only after I replaced all the wheel bearings, front and rear, that the problems were finally solved. The improvement in handling alone makes my VTX feel like a new bike and the bearing replacement is the best investment I've made in my VTX.

[RedBeast]

2002 1800R 12700 miles
bad flange bearing
found when tearing down wheels
new bearing installed by dealer at my cost
could barely turn with fingers and was very rough

[RayJay]

2003R 34K
1 bearing separated, the other intact but rough
Found while replacing the tire, I have asked on each tire change for the place to check them, but I realy wonder if they did.

No accident

I had ordered a bearing set just in case, then replaced them ourselves ( real easy job ) while changing the tire. Total front and rear and flange bearing set was $44.95 less 10%. I only used the flange bearings.

And, I will add, since the bikes first tire change I've had a vibration, in 34K I've had the stock Dunnie, an Avon, and Metz, another Dunnie and now another Avon. On the rear I've had another Dunnie in between the Avon And Metz. Through all of these tires I've had a vibration that has persisted. We spent a ton of time balancing these tires, and at the same time found the flange bearing problem, and poof the vibration is gone,,

A good balance job ???? or the flange bearing?????

We will see... Oh btw this last rear... Potenza G019

[mark_1bx]

I just replaced my flange bearings too, and there is a spacer that the 6905 bearings ride on. Ref.#5
on the microfiche page, called a collar. PN42624-MCH-000 sells
for $7.45. The bearings have to be pressed onto this collar, then
both pressed together with collar into the flange. not too bad of a
job, mine worked out but I still have the wheel off polishing. When I get off this nite shift I'll be riding again!!


You did this backwards....JMHO ....but.....if you press the bearing to the collar first then into the flange you flexing the bearings.

[mark_1bx]

Flange bearings carry no load, they will not makle the bike vibrate
You're self-locking axle nut is worn out. Replace that and it won't loosen. As the flange bearings are inside a metal flange hub, you are not going to compress theose bearings at all.
Again, the flange bearings are only pilot bearings, they carry no load. Tire wiggle is either tire cupping or your loose axle nut or bad wheel bearings
This is common to the Dunlop OEM tires and happens on many makes of bikes so it is not the bearings, it is the low tire pressure that caused your tire cupping. Honda's recommended 33psi is too low, bump the pressures up to 38 to 40 and less cupping.

If your bearings spun fine as your mech said and if you spun them and they spun fine, they were OK. 8)

Spike I've got to ask...how many of these bearing have you ever replaced? You state that "your not going to compress the bearings and your wrong! Some of the flanges seem to have a taper to them.....about 10 thousands. Some new and old bearings are "crunchy" when in the flange and when removed are smooth as silk. The flanges that have the taper distort the bearing or compress them until they distort.

[ramrider]

I suggest that you change all four bearings in the rear wheel. I found that two of the bearings were only sealed on one side. When I did the "spin the bearing" on my finger, all the bearings felt ok but I replaced them any way because I had already bought the bearings from Direct Line as I suspected that the bearings were the cause on the vibration problems.

I have no idea why Honda would install two prelubed bearings with an open side. Maybe they thought the sealed outer bearings would provide protection but we all know that dirt and water gets everywhere.

[Chicago-Spike]

You couldn't just PM me?
If you read what my comment was made about, you would see that I was talking about compressing them laterally from over tightening the axle nut. Not compressing them inside the flange hub itself by pressing them in, this I agreee can be done and is indeed bad for the bearings

[mark_1bx]

You couldn't just PM me?
If you read what my comment was made about, you would see that I was talking about compressing them laterally from over tightening the axle nut. Not compressing them inside the flange hub itself by pressing them in, this I agreee can be done and is indeed bad for the bearings

Sorry if you read into this...or if I misspoke....it wasn't meant as a "slight" just a question.
I reread my post and :dontknow:?
Anyway sorry if I offended you.

[mark_1bx]

I suggest that you change all four bearings in the rear wheel. I found that two of the bearings were only sealed on one side. When I did the "spin the bearing" on my finger, all the bearings felt ok but I replaced them any way because I had already bought the bearings from Direct Line as I suspected that the bearings were the cause on the vibration problems.

I have no idea why Honda would install two pre lubed bearings with an open side. Maybe they thought the sealed outer bearings would provide protection but we all know that dirt and water gets everywhere.

The open sides of the bearings face themselves, so no need for seals. Possibly thinking is that they will lubricate each other:dontknow:
Most bearings wont "fling" lubricant out if they are sealed. Most lubrication loss will be do to over heating or washing out from compressed air, power washer etc.

[dawghouse]

Approximate date of failure: 5/10/09

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Model: 1300c

Bearing Condition: one bearing came apart and the other is ruff

Accident : no

How fixed: bought the bearings from Honda and instelled myself

Additional remarks: I cant belived this happend to a Honda

Mileage: 21,000

[Addikted]

Good post to check out about this problem
http://forums.bareasschoppers.com/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=779

[Thrust1]

Bearing failure in the final driven flange assembly,


Approximate date of failure: May 26th 2009
Year of Manufacture:

Model: 2004 VTX 1300C

Bearing Condition: Changing tire and checked bearings. They are extreemly rough and ready to come apart.

Accident : No

How fixed: Not fixed yet. I plan to purchase new bearings and install my self. I had a shop install my last tire, and they never said anything about this bearing. It's hard for me to beleave this was not bad a few thousand miles ago.

Additional remarks: I have 14,483 miles on the bike.

[mntman777]

OK, this is the second time my rear wheel flange bearing is going bad. Replaced bearings once. I bought the bike used so im just learning about this issue. Have a 2002 VTX 1800S. What can i do? has there been a solution offered by Honda yet?

[mntman777]

Sorry didn't follow protocall.
Opprox date of second failure is 05/30/09
no accident
Was replacing rear tire and checked the bearings that i just installed at the last tire change.
2002 VTX 1800S

[Ironhorse1800]

I found my bearings to be bad yesterday.

2004 VTX1800 N
Failed 06/19/2009
17,002 miles
No accident

Bought the bike used at 7,800 miles in September 2008. Dealer had installed new tires.

At 11,500 miles I pulled down to inspect and service final drive spline. Bearings were OK at that time.

Was replacing tires and found the bearings to be bad. They are hard and very rough to turn.

I installed a spare used wheel assembly purchased from a member of this board.

[Danow]

The guy who owned my bike before I did said that the bearing was in bad shape... can't remember the specifics on how bad. He did take the wheel to a machinist and checked the bore where the bearing goes and found the bore to be tapered. He machined the bore true and installed an aftermarket bearing. I haven't had any trouble in the 20k since.

[olefart]

Don't think this will do any good but will post this report.
No accident.
2003 1800C
About 15000 miles
Bearings are intact
Flang side bearing is very rough.
Inspected and found problem when wheel removed to mount new rear tire. Ordered the bare bearings and will replace them myself.

Question. Is the flange bore on new flange assymblies still too tight? Has Honda corrected the replacement assymblies?