Harley Tri Glide Axle retainer plates

[El Lobo]

Hello Fellow trikers

Hope everyone is doing well in 2023. OK; so my question is how to check if the AXLE RETAINER PLATES on the Harley Tri Glides are going bad? I have a 2019 Tri Glide with 20,000 Miles I am getting ready to do the 20,000 Mile service

and would like to know if I need to replace AXLE RETAINER PLATES, if so; I will need to order the Plates From DK Custom before scheduling the service appointment.

I want to thank everyone in advance for you input on this situation.

El Lobo

[prariepilot]

Hello Fellow trikers, Hope everyone is doing well in 2023. OK; so my question is how to check if the AXLE RETAINER PLATES on the Harley Tri Glides are going bad? I have a 2019 Tri Glide with 20,000 Miles I am getting ready to do the 20,000 Mile service and would like to know if I need to replace AXLE RETAINER PLATES, if so; I will need to order the Plates From DK Custom before scheduling the service appointment. I want to thank everyone in advance for you input on this situation. El Lobo

El Lobo,

The AXLE RETAINER PLATES installed at the factory were going bad as soon as you rode your Tri Glide out the dealer's door! Additional miles just made them worse. It is an easy Remove and Replace (if you have a bearing press, it's even easier!). I did my own Remove and Replace, but had a local indie press the bearings. Most difficult part of the job was jacking the TG up and removing the wheels. Total cost for me? Under $300, using the DK kit.

[Jack Klarich]

Jack up your trike, grab the rear wheels 1 at a time, move them in and out

If they have movement they are already wearing and causing damage

There should be no in and out movement and no noise

[PosseRider]

on my 2020, they were bad 2 yrs ago. Had the DK plates installed. They are so much thicker than the originals . Well made. I had less than half the miles you have and they were already bad. Don't wait too long. Don't forget to replace the bearings also.

[Rogue1]

I changed the retainer plates on my 19 tri glide at about 22,000 miles. They were definitely warped. I put them on a surface plate and it was easy to see. I took the axles out myself and had an automotive machine shop install the new bearings. The old bearings weren't bad but I changed them because I was in there. It's a good move. I put the DK plates on and should not have to worry about it.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I replaced the ones on my 2017, if you are planning on keeping your trike for the term it is a wise investment. I took Jack Klarich's advise and hand repacked the bearings before I had them installed.

[OLBLU]

Definitely get the DK Customs plates. I replaced mine at 5000 miles and I was already getting grooves in the stock plates. And this was in prairie riding with very little cornering.

The factory plates are JUNK.

[Rogue1]

I changed the retainer plates on my 19 tri glide at about 22,000 miles. They were definitely warped. I put them on a surface plate and it was easy to see. I took the axles out myself and had an automotive machine shop install the new bearings. The old bearings weren't bad but I changed them because I was in there. It's a good move. I put the DK plates on and should not have to worry about it.

I had no indication they were bad. I didn't know until I took it apart and put the plates on a surface plate.

[Notgrownup]

So is there an imminent danger of running the stock plates? I have 32000 miles on my 14

[Jack Klarich]

So is there an imminent danger of running the stock plates? I have 32000 miles on my 14

No, but over time the score marks will continue and axle end play can increase

[Notgrownup]

I’ll check the next time I have it on the Jack in the shop.