Classic Motorcycle Build

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.

remove and install Sportster cam needle bearings

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.

******************

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.

Sportster Cam Bearing Tool 95760xl

Shop: Cam Bearing Tool For Ironhead Sportster 1957-1985

cam needle bearing tool

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.

press cam bearings in Sportster engine case

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.

******************

All year Ironhead Sportsters (1957-1985) take the same cam bearings.

cam needle bearings for Harley Sportster

Shop: Ironhead Cam Bearings

******************

Cam Bearing Installation

Installing cam needle bearings must be done very carefully, so as not to crush the thin outer shell.

replace Harley cam needle bearings

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.

Sportster cam bearing installation

When done, the drive side should be flush with the case.

******************

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).

Ironhead Sportster cam installation

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

Harley Sportster cam alignment

The notch marks on the cams rarely line up exactly, so use your best judgment.

******************

Sportster cam cover bushings

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.

Ironhead Sportster cam bushing kit

Shop: 1957-1976 Sportster Cam Bushing Kit

Shop: 1977-1985 Sportster Cam Bushing Kit

******************

Related Articles:

Remove/Install Sportster Cam Bushings
Install Sportster Cams
Ironhead Engine Cases
Engine Case Prep
Repair Stripped Threads In Aluminum
Ironhead Sportster Cylinders
900cc Ironhead Engine Build