Wings, Wheels and Water

HD Heritage Wheel Bearings Installation

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HD Heritage Wheel Bearings.

Following are a few pictures of installing Heritage wheel bearings.

Recently I was able to buy a 2002 Harley Softail Heritage Classic.

Bearings

One thing I have always disliked on my motorcycles is spoke wheels. Too many parts to loosen up and hard to keep clean.  Anyway, after a search on Facebook and craigslist I was able to buy a pair of solid wheels off a 2002 Harley Fat Boy.

Bearings

But before I install new tires (thinking wide white walls) and installing them on the Heritage, I wanted to install new wheel bearings.

I ordered four new bearings and a bearing puller/installer from MaXpeedingrods.com This is a very nice tool for the money.  It comes with everything you need to remove and install the bearings (besides the wrench’s). One thing that did bother me a bit, was mixing the SAE and metric sized bolts. Although it seems like almost every motorcycle or car mixes SAE and metric sizes too.

Bearings

Next was the process of removing the old bearings.  Read the instructions first!  The removal tool is a hollow bolt that slips into the inside of the bearing and then has a tapered bolt put inside to expand the tool to catch on the inside edge of the bearing.  The kit comes with three different size tools. One for the 3/4 inch axle, 1 inch and 25 mm.   The 2002 is the 3/4 inch axle. I coated all the threaded parts with oil (and the tapered expansion bolt) before starting, as stated in the instructions.

Bearings

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After installing the “cage” on the outside of the wheel, tightening up the wedge to catch the bearing. Then tightening the large nut to pull the bearing out of the wheel. Notice the ratchet, which had a short extension with a hex driver to hold the center wedge bolt to keep the assembly from moving. Just a matter of muscle power to pull the bearings.  Repeat on the other side. I did drop the puller inside the hollow portion of the wheel.  Don’t do that, it was a PIA to get it back out.

After I cleaned the bears races Inserted the installation tool started the install. Make sure and apply anti seize lubricant to the bearing surfaces inside and out to make it a bit easier next time you try this.

Finished installation.

75TH ANNIVERSARY – END OF WORLD WAR II

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HUGE FLYING DEMONSTRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II’s END AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

Comprehensive, chronological World War II aviation highlights throughout week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 19, 2019) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 will feature expanded warbird flying activities as the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 68th annual EAA fly-in convention takes place July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

EAA AirVenture will tell the many aviation stories of The Greatest Generation and the worldwide conflict during its renowned afternoon air shows. It will feature flying displays and groups that are favorites for EAA audiences. Highlighting the weeklong commemoration will be major air show flying activities on Wednesday, July 22, and Friday and Saturday, July 24-25.

“Marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and telling all the aviation stories involved is a mammoth task,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of programs, publications, and marketing, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Our goal is to create the go-to event that properly commemorates the aviation story of World War II, from the Eagle Squadrons and American Volunteer Groups through the final Allied victories in 1945.”

Specific aircraft and flying demonstrations are still being finalized for EAA AirVenture 2020, but will feature aircraft from both the European and Pacific Theaters. Additional highlights will tell the stories of remarkable heroism and pioneering technology that changed the course of the war. Further details on individual highlights and aircraft will be announced as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates and all those age 18-and-under are admitted free. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

Opener BlackFly personal aircraft

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OPENER NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020 INNOVATION SHOWCASE

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 16, 2019) — Opener, the company that designs and builds the all-electric BlackFly personal aircraft, has been named the presenting sponsor of the Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020. The 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and annually draws 600,000 people and 10,000 aircraft.

The Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture is focused on research and development in the aviation and aerospace industries. It welcomes cutting-edge companies that seek to bring their new products to the public and the aviation marketplace.
“Opener has an unparalleled leadership position in new technology driving personal flight,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of business development and membership. “They have been a part of the Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for the past two years and have been a prime example of the innovative aviation technology we’ve been introducing at AirVenture. Having them as the presenting sponsor of this area will bring even more companies to Oshkosh who are interested in highlighting the newest and best in aviation.”

Opener spent the last 10 years in stealth mode, designing, developing, and testing new innovative technologies, which have now evolved into an all-electric, vertical takeoff-and-landing vehicle, BlackFly. Opener made its public debut in July 2018, shortly before displaying BlackFly at Oshkosh that year. A BlackFly v2 is now on display in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh.
“EAA AirVenture has always been synonymous with what’s new and game-changing in aviation,” said Ben Diachun, Opener’s president. “Seeing how attendees at Oshkosh welcome and encourage new ideas in all areas of flight convinced us that we needed to help foster it even further by sponsoring EAA’s Innovation Showcase.”
Only 20 exhibitors are selected from all applicants to be included in the Innovation Showcase. Any aviation-related product or service that demonstrates unique, forward-looking technology is invited to apply for complimentary exhibit space in that area. In 2019, nearly 75 companies applied for this area at Oshkosh. Applications for 2020 are currently being accepted through April 1, 2020, through the EAA.org/Innovation website.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

Opener