Another Sttering Head Bearing Thread

[jacksf]

Since I had my forks off I decided to replace the steering head bearings as well, put new ss lines on, etc. etc.

The question I have is the bearings that are currently in the XJ are upside down V shape. Like /\ this whereas the new bearings I bought are flat. Are the /\ ones the old style? They seem to be in good shape but since I went this far its gonna be new ones.

Jack

[Dragonrider]

I think you might have gotten the wrong bearings....or you're looking at them wrong...

They should be tapered roller bearings...like the "V" shape, but there is a race pressed into the head that accepts the "V"...

They are a matched unit...your new bearings may be sitting in the race...(you need to change that too).

A picture here:

or if it doesn't display... here:
http://www.jocmachinery.com/images/prod_bearing_04.jpg

[jacksf]

Yep, those are the type of bearings now in there. Hmmmm wonder where I got these other ones from? Maybe they aren't even for the head? Will have to look up the part number and see what I can find.

Its also a much bigger job than I realized, to drop the tree everything has to be disconnected. At the rate I am going, my old girl is going to be spread across the garage.

Thanks

Jack

[jacksf]

Sorry for all these questions, but even with the manual I want to be sure to do it right the first time...or at least the second time.

Is that pic of the bearings actually from a XJ1100 or just representing what a tapered bearing is?

Reason I ask is I only have 2 bearings in the head, one on the bottom facing up and one on the top facing down with a cap over it.

BTW, I just ordered a new set from partsnmore to be safe.

Thanks again.

Jack

[Dragonrider]

That's a generic pic..you should only have two...point is there is a race in the head tube that is part of the bearing and has to be removed and replaced with the new one. Your bearings should be two pieces each...the race and the bearing.

[jacksf]

Got it. From what I can see, the bearings I have are the old style, same as in the service manual. Top came out easy, lifted off. The bottom is pressed into the stem so I guess I will have to dremel it out. New parts probably wont be here till late next week so I will have time to work on the other pieces, clean, prime, paint, etc.

Thanks Daniel

Jack