steering head, final steps, got some ?s

[draketrumpet]

OK, I'm all prepared to go through the final steps of getting my steering bearings replaced, have a few questions.

On getting the races out, I have a dremmel, I have cold chisels and punches. I've seen people say they cut it out, but how can I do that easily without cutting the frame? Any advice on removal of said races is appreciated?

About grease: do I just rub it all over every stinking where? Including under the races (the parts that touch the frame and the steering stem)?

I have a pipe to "press" the lower bearing on to the stem, do I need to find a way to protect the top of the race, or will a little scarring not hurt it? If so, how?

I've built a press with all thread, nuts and washers, anything I need to know before pressing away on the outside races?

TIA

BTW, I know I've been a little MIA lately, really busy with a last minute funeral trip to UT over memorial day weekend. good to be settle back a little and try to catch up here and elsewhere.

[crazy steve]

To get the races out of the neck, use a long pin punch. Start at one side and work the punch around until the race comes out. The one that's nasty to do is the lower bearing pressed onto the stem. This is the one many cut off, but I've gotten them off using a cold chisel; not by splitting it, but using the chisel to drive the bearing off. When installing the new bearing, if it dents/scars, it's a crummy bearing. Good quality bearings are harder than h**l, and a few whacks shouldn't mar it.

'78E original owner

[Rasputin]

Do a bit of research on bearing grease repack. It will save you some grief. A proper repack is in order.

[bikerphil]

Bent drift pin to get the correct angle to knock out the races works. You can apply heat if needed also. Clean the grease out first.

[draketrumpet]

Thanks guys.

When the Manual says to tighten the adjustment nut so that it will fall to either side under it's own weight after an initial push, is it referring to the weight of the front end assembled, or just the steering head itself? I'm a little worried that it is not tight enough, but I can't feel any play in the steering.

Now, to rebuild my front MC and reinstall the handlebars and brakes and time for a little test ride...the first ride in over 2 weeks if you don't count the 16 painful hours spent on an enduro for the MSF course...

[randy]

It's the whole magilla, forks, wheel, brakes and all.

[draketrumpet]

thanks,

Now I can tighten it up before I finish putting everything on top of it.