Sportster Cam Bearings Remove and Install
Article by Vintage Vinny
During a Sportster engine build, cam bearings should be checked for re-use. Since the bearings themselves are relatively inexpensive, many engine builders will automatically replace them regardless of condition.
With the cams removed, roll the needle bearings with a fingertip or fingernail. Do you feel any resistance? The needle rollers should move smoothly without any drag.
If you feel any binding at all, they should be replaced. And if the bike is old and original (like this 1981 Sportster) it's wise to change them all together.
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How To Remove/Install Cam Bearings
There's just two ways to remove and install Ironhead cam bearings; the fast, easy (but expensive) way, or the long, slow (inexpensive if you have a shop press) way.
The Fast Easy Expensive Way
There is a special tool that removes and installs Sportster cam bearings without disassembling the entire motor.
Shop: Cam Bearing Tool For Ironhead Sportster 1957-1985
The Jims Tool # 95760-XL costs over $200, but gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
The Other Way
Sportster cam bearings can be replaced in a shop press.
To remove and install them this way, the engine cases need to be separated, so you can knock the old ones out of the case.
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All year Ironhead Sportsters (1957-1985) take the same cam bearings.
Shop: Ironhead Cam Bearings
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Cam Bearing Installation
Installing cam needle bearings must be done very carefully, so as not to crush the thin outer shell.
CAUTION: Needle bearings should never be hammered in.
If you look closely, you'll see one side of the needle bearings have numbers on them. This is called the 'drive side' and faces out.
When done, the drive side should be flush with the case.
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Notes and Misc
All Sportsters have four different cams, one for each valve (two intakes, two exhaust). The factory service manual numbers them from back to front; rear exhaust (1), rear intake (2), front intake (3), and front exhaust (4).
Before the cams go in, install the two cam plates. The beveled side of the plate faces outward.
Lubricate the shafts of each cam and position in gear case. The side with the number on it faces outward.
Ironhead Cam Alignment
The notch marks on the cams rarely line up exactly, so use your best judgment.
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To remove and install Sportster cam bushings (the ones in the cover) click here.
Ironhead Cam Bearing and Bushing Kit
Replacement cam bearing and bushing kits are readily available for all year Ironhead Sportsters. Aftermarket kits usually come with new bushings, cam plates, bushing pins, and four cam bearings.
There are two kits available, one for 1957-1976 XL models, and one for 1977-1985 XL models.
Shop: 1957-1976 Sportster Cam Bushing Kit
Shop: 1977-1985 Sportster Cam Bushing Kit
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