tapered steering bearing install

ChuckD · New Member Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 6 Location: CA

Hey All,
I'm getting that sticky feeling with the steering on my ride and it's time to swap out to the tappered steering bearings.
Can someone out there give a guy some advice or any help in doing this mod.
What should I look for when doing this?
What should I avoid?
Is there a procedure I should follow?
It seems like a simple mod, I've just never done it before!
Thanks, Chuck

grizld1

It's a pretty straightforward procedure. Pop the old races off the steering stem and out of the steering head, drive the new races in with a wooden or plastic drift, lube up the bearings and reinstall. The main thing is to start the new races straight and drive 'em straight. I've done the install a few times, and only had a problem once, when a race wouldn't drive without cocking. A little 320 paper and patience cured that; the machining inside the steering head was a little rough and had to be cleaned up.

Tapered rollers tend to lose grease from the top down, so it's a real good idea to give 'em an annual relubing. The results are worth the extra maintenance.

mo650chopper

I was hoping you'd give some wisdom on this grizld1 as this is on my winter "To Do List" as well as progressive springs, Fork Brace and fork boots.

ChuckD · New Member Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 6 Location: CA

thanks, grizld1
I'll be attacking this soon and share the results.
Chuck

Tomterrific

I just saw a great tool made for removing steering head bearings. Think of a long tube with 4 lengthwise cuts about half way up. The cut tube has the 4 cuts flared out slightly, looks like an old broom. The tool is pulled through the steering head until the 4 flares spring out inside, push back slightly to engage the bearing. The other end of the tube sticks out of the steering head and is tapped with a hammer to remove the opposite bearing. Bad description but neat tool idea.

Tom Graham
Columbus, Ohio

Phred

I had no trouble removing mine with a metal drift (or was it a screwdriver) and a hammer or mallet. They pop out pretty easy-they are not much more than a large washer with a groove stamped in it. When you see it start to move, you've won. Inspect the inside of the neck before installing the new races. Mine ('75) has weld material pretty close to both ends of the neck tube, and requires a bit of attention with a die grinder or Dremel tool.

Jack · Full Member Joined: Mar 15, 2005 Posts: 411

Although there are several methods of removing and installing races & bearings, having a BMW has tought me to preheat the race area and freeze the races themslves and they fall in effortlessly.........Jack

mo650chopper

I installed a set on my XS today. Went pretty smooth considering my lack of proper tools. I can't wait to ride it with the new bearings, the original ball bearings were terrible. I'm also installing the progressive springs along with my recently installed fork brace. should be a lot better handling scooter now.

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