[Bigdog 1]

If you hear a squeak coming from up front that is getting louder and does not lessen even under breaking but gets louder under speed better pull that wheel and check the front axel bearings and axel. Here’s what mine looked like after pulling it apart last night. Not sure the previous owner installed the wheel wrong or just bad bearings but after 15k on the bike it seems like a lot of damage for such a short time.

Bigdog

 

[black hills]

I would check the rear ones too?? Looks like it has been in some water to me? Were the bearings rusty looking too?

 

[Bigdog 1]

Not rust on the bearings but this and other things on the bike lead me to believe it's just a case of jack leg wrenching including the wiring. I'll be changing out the rear tire soon and will give the bearings a good look see then.

 

[RoadDawg]

Front axle bearing damage

You may want to ask the prior owner if he or she used a pressure washer to clean the bike. That axle looks rusted to me. Under high pressure the water gets into the bearings past the seals and reaks havoc. The detergent also washes out the grease. I do not ever use a high pressure washer on my ride for this reason.
RD 8)

 

[XBox]

That axle definitely looks like it has seen some water at some point. I just had mine off a week ago and after 19000 miles, mine is dirty, but not rusted like that. Someone else mentioned a pressure washer and I'd have to go +1 on that theory. Keeps us posted.

 

[Jon's1800VTXC]

Re: Front axle bearing damage

You may want to ask the prior owner if he or she used a pressure washer to clean the bike. That axle looks rusted to me. Under high pressure the water gets into the bearings past the seals and reaks havoc. The detergent also washes out the grease. I do not ever use a high pressure washer on my ride for this reason.
RD 8)

+1

 

[Big Jon]

Could have been over-torqued. Did you know the sealed bearings can be repacked? I do it aboout every 15K.