Thinking of replacing my steering head bearings....

[draketrumpet]

So, sometime this week or next I plan on pulling my front end off and possibly replacing my steering head bearings and I had a couple questions.

I see a set of All Balls bearings on eBay for under $30, anyone tried these before or have a different recommendation?

I know they may just need adjusting, repacking, cleaning, etc., but since getting the chance to do extensive work comes far and few between, I figure I'll get the new ones and put them in...then I'll keep the old as spares maybe, if they're ok, or send them to someone in need.

I was looking at the manual and how it says to remove all of my lights etc., and at first I just took this to mean that I'd have to take my fairing off. As I look at it and think about it though, I don't think I need to. Can anyone confirm this hunch? I have the pacifico and it mounts to the frame. That would make my life a lot happier if I didn't need to remove that.

This questions a bit of a noob mechanical question, but can high temp bearing grease (which I have) be used in places where regular bearing grease is called for (which I don't have but can and probably should get)? Just wondering.

TIA

[draketrumpet]

one other thing...

It looks like I also basically drain my whole front brake system while doing this...is this right? If so, I'll just pull it all and clean everything in the brake system while I'm at it and put fresh fluid in.

[DiverRay]

If you are replacing the bearings, you WILL need to pull the fairing. Just to repack, it's STILL easier to pull the pacifico off and then work on the front end. You will need a dremel tool to make removing the lower race easier, and I bought a section of pipe to make installing the race on the lower triple tree easier.
Make sure you adjust the bearings properly, as it makes a BIG difference on the way the bike handles. PM or reply here if you need some help on how to pull the fairing the easiest way.(IMHO)

[draketrumpet]

Any tips on pulling that thing would be nice as I'll likely be doing it solo and trying really hard to do it all in one day...or at least get everything but the fairing back on in one day (can't trust those apt parking lots too much)

[motoman]

I used the AllBalls tapered roller bearing replacing the stock ball bearing in the steering neck of my ST. They ARE a good quality bearing as I've been told by shop mechanic who did mine.

[Bullet]

and the Allballs sets, come with the top and bottom seal plates to keep the grease in the bearings, and the dirt out ..

I used them on my bike build, you can't really buy anything better.

[b.walker5]

No problems with the high temp grease thing, go ahead and use it. It just has a higher melting point than regular grease and is fine for all puprose use.

[bikerphil]

All Balls are the balls. Good quality.

[MaximPhil]

It looks like I also basically drain my whole front brake system while doing this...is this right? If so, I'll just pull it all and clean everything in the brake system while I'm at it and put fresh fluid in.

Hi Drake,
I have the pacifico on Addie. Having seen this process done
Taking off the fairing requires another pair of hands to support it while you remove the 4 bolts. Remove the electical plug first. Squeeze the tabs top and bottom to release. Undo the front bolts next. Then have someone hold it with both hands standing in front of the bike while you release the back bolts. ( it wants to tip down they need to hold it level for you) It is not heavy.
Steering head bearing adjustment needs some finnese to adjust it right. (I watched Mine needed to be filled with grease which is good to have examination gloves for.Brakes remain fluid tight and need support wire or piece of string to take the weight.
May as well do the Fork oil as you will have the forks off.
Handlebars cn rest on the frame. Might be easier with the fuel tank off too.
Plan where to place the parts coming off and have some containers (margarine tubs or similar) for the nuts and bolts. If no table ia large cardboard box will do as a work surface. A "gopher" is good to have on hand too as you always need something fetched if only another cold beer
Good luck
Gopher can take the pictures to post on here too
Phil

[DiverRay]

The '78 Pacifico has a lower AND upper mount, and CAN be removed by one person. As stated, remove electrical connection, remove the FRONT mount bolts, the two at the very front of the fairing. Then remove the four mounts that hold the fairing to the frame mount. Last is loosen the two lower mount bolts. These should be a 17mm, and go into the frame. The top and lower mounts will now be loose, and the fairing will slide out to the front. Reverse the procedure to install the fairing. There should be at least two rubber strips, one on the bottom mount on each side. be sure to reinstall these.

[MaximPhil]

The '78 Pacifico has a lower AND upper mount, and CAN be removed by one person. As stated, remove electrical connection, remove the FRONT mount bolts, the two at the very front of the fairing. Then remove the four mounts that hold the fairing to the frame mount. Last is loosen the two lower mount bolts. These should be a 17mm, and go into the frame. The top and lower mounts will now be loose, and the fairing will slide out to the front. Reverse the procedure to install the fairing. There should be at least two rubber strips, one on the bottom mount on each side. be sure to reinstall these.

Hi Ray,
The 78 must be a very different beast than my 81 H

[GARTHXS]

one day

It might be possible though I had to take my bottom tree to the shop to get the bearing pressed on, but you might need help. And be careful putting the front on jacks another member suggested putting a strap on the center stand to keep the. Bike from moving

[DiverRay]

Hi Ray,
The 78 must be a very different beast than my 81 H

Yes, the '78 was the very large looking fairing. Used on the '78 and possibly early '79 Standard ONLY. I've had one on my first XS11, back in September 1977, and I still think it's one of the best designs ever. It cuts the wind MUCH better than the later Windjammer based models, and swapping from one to another on a bike I notice more top end with the larger fairing, and better gas economy.

[jamak]

Does the '80 G have the Windjammer style fairing? It seems to cut the wind fairly well. If the older style is that much better, I'd like to check it out.
I've taken this fairing off by myself, while talking on a cell phone!
I had to ask her to hold, while I actually lifted it off, but it was pretty easy.
I pulled the electrical plug, took out the headlight, loosened all 4 bolts to finger tight, removed the rear one's first, and just spun the front nuts off, leaving the bolts in while I supported the fairing with my free(?) hand.
Then I put the phone down, and pulled the front up to clear the bolts-and off.
I have to say if I could do this, anybody could. It really is a one man project.

[draketrumpet]

My wiring plug is not as it should be and would involve unplugging where the connector plugs into the original harness b/c of some genius PO. I'm just putting it off for the hassle...Have to do it sooner or later though.