What kinds of tools (Steering Head Bearings)

[Ccitis]

I have been putting off the job for awhile, and contemplating bringing the bike to a shop... what kinds of tools would I need to make this job of replacing the head bearings a little bit easier? Removal tools, install tools... I am pretty new to bearing installs. Will do the front wheel bearings during this job at the same time. Thanks as always.

[jetmechmarty]

You will need a 16 oz ball peen hammer. Some good punches. I use a race driver set. A mig welder could make short work of it. You might need a die grinder or a Dremel. The bottom race was unfriendly on mine.

[bikerphil]

Yes, in some cases, the bottom race needs to be carefully cut and chiseled out. The engineers did not leave sufficient access to tap the race out, it sits flush with no lip to tap against. If the lower race feels smooth with your finger, you can go ahead and leave it and just replace the bearing. You will also need to carefully cut the lower bearing off the triple tree stem. Dremel cutoff type wheel should do the trick.

[DEEBS11]

Sometimes I will weld a washer or a small piece of strap steel to the race and pound it out. The heat really helps.

[jetmechmarty]

Sometimes I will weld a washer or a small piece of strap steel to the race and pound it out. The heat really helps.

I’ve seen them fall out after a bead was drawn on them.

[Rasputin]

Run a bead of weld around the face of the race. Allow to cool and then it will literally fall out. Saves so much stress and effort as well as the hair on your head.

[Ccitis]

No access to welder... yet.

[Ccitis]

Yes, in some cases, the bottom race needs to be carefully cut and chiseled out. The engineers did not leave sufficient access to tap the race out, it sits flush with no lip to tap against. If the lower race feels smooth with your finger, you can go ahead and leave it and just replace the bearing. You will also need to carefully cut the lower bearing off the triple tree stem. Dremel cutoff type wheel should do the trick.

Bike has 35k kms on it. The race may be ok... that would be nice. I am chasing an issue where the head shakes at high speeds and during braking....

[bikerphil]

Yep, sounds like loose steering head. You could try tightening it up some, but I'm sure the bearings will still need grease.

[Larrym]

"Bike has 35k kms on it. The race may be ok... that would be nice. I am chasing an issue where the head shakes at high speeds and during braking...."

Loose Steering head and/or triple tree is ONE of the possible causes IMO... ( •_•)

Iffin' you WANT to do the full 9-yards of removing everything and whacking out bearings/races then go for it. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

Personally? (O_o)

I'd just lube the steering head bearings IN PLACE (in situ...) with THIS-



Sure... in a perfect world one could easily yoink out the bearings, clean'em, repack with wheel bearing grease, and easily re-install. (･‿･)

Problem here is they're BURIED under so very many things that gotta be removed in order to DO that clean/repack. (⊙▂⊙)

Lookey at the pic again- PERFECT FOR HARD TO REACH PLACES!. (◕‿◕)

These bearings are likely dry cuz the OEM grease "solvent" has evaporated/dried out and left behind only the "solids". (O_O)

Spritz the red grease in the gap(s) available, work the steering from Full left to Full right a few times. Lather-rinse repeat. Wipe away excess. (^_^)

Repair manual has the tightening/adjustment procedures which is the next step. ( •_•)

DEFINITELY go through the clean/repack of the wheel bearings and speedometer gear housing in the front wheel and use REAL grease. ٩(＾◡＾)۶

[Radioguylogs]

Steering Bearings

I usually am able to pound out the top steering race with a punch/drift.

I usually have to cut the bottom race with a Dremel cutting wheel.

I use a chisel to drive the bearing off of the triple tree.


Wheel Bearings

For wheel bearings, I bought a Pit Posse bearing removal tool. It works GREAT! I wish I had bought it a lot sooner.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ptm-pp1692?seid=srese1&ppckw=pmax-powersports&gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdCLLptQnpsgQPOJfZoQxz-6spUOQ1ZA5WjEYhtWgj5Qsh7hGOSQE1xoC8qwQAvD_BwE

[Ccitis]

"Bike has 35k kms on it. The race may be ok... that would be nice. I am chasing an issue where the head shakes at high speeds and during braking...."

Loose Steering head and/or triple tree is ONE of the possible causes IMO... ( •_•)

Iffin' you WANT to do the full 9-yards of removing everything and whacking out bearings/races then go for it. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

Personally? (O_o)

I'd just lube the steering head bearings IN PLACE (in situ...) with THIS-



Sure... in a perfect world one could easily yoink out the bearings, clean'em, repack with wheel bearing grease, and easily re-install. (･‿･)

Problem here is they're BURIED under so very many things that gotta be removed in order to DO that clean/repack. (⊙▂⊙)

Lookey at the pic again- PERFECT FOR HARD TO REACH PLACES!. (◕‿◕)

These bearings are likely dry cuz the OEM grease "solvent" has evaporated/dried out and left behind only the "solids". (O_O)

Spritz the red grease in the gap(s) available, work the steering from Full left to Full right a few times. Lather-rinse repeat. Wipe away excess. (^_^)

Repair manual has the tightening/adjustment procedures which is the next step. ( •_•)

DEFINITELY go through the clean/repack of the wheel bearings and speedometer gear housing in the front wheel and use REAL grease. ٩(＾◡＾)۶

Perhaps I will do that. The bike is in good shape... they are probably dry. Little bit of play though when I pull front to back on the wheel. Very very slight. My other thoughts on this issue are wheel bearings, tires (shinko), possibly the brakes... I put new pads on and it seems like this kind of started around then... certainly when I hit the front brake lever... but also at speeds above say 70 mph. Have tried various air pressures.