Author Topic: Steering Head Removal and Forks  (Read 1440 times)

Offline waffey

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Steering Head Removal and Forks
« on: March 10, 2018, 12:03:49 PM »
Hi
took the forks off today. They are corroded at the top but pretty good behind the fork rubbers. See picture.

I cant get the head stock off at all, i dont want to use any brute force yet (got the pus gas out on the head stock). Why dont they just fall out or do you think they are corroded in. they move freely enough though.
Bikes:
Triumph Street Twin
Suzuki Address 110 Scooter
Suzuki TL1000s
BMW R1200GS LC
Honda CB400 F2 1977 (restoration underway)

Offline hairygit

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2018, 12:56:49 PM »
You need to remove the top yoke first, then you will see a large castellated round nut underneath. You then need to remove the large nut to release the lower yoke and bearings. Watch it though, the bearings will fall out and go everywhere!
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline kevski

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2018, 01:49:52 PM »
And remove the axle stand from underneath. :P

Offline waffey

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2018, 02:20:38 PM »
all off now.

first issue is one bottom fork leg bolt is spinning around. any solutions out there? (don't forget i'm a newbie to this restoring/heartache lark)

The other fork leg is tripped but the bottom for is badly marked. I tried soem wet n dry. Question is do i continue with wet n dry or take it to some polishing firm?
Bikes:
Triumph Street Twin
Suzuki Address 110 Scooter
Suzuki TL1000s
BMW R1200GS LC
Honda CB400 F2 1977 (restoration underway)

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2018, 04:10:04 PM »
all off now.

first issue is one bottom fork leg bolt is spinning around. any solutions out there? (don't forget i'm a newbie to this restoring/heartache lark)

The other fork leg is tripped but the bottom for is badly marked. I tried soem wet n dry. Question is do i continue with wet n dry or take it to some polishing firm?
You may get some tips by reading this thread but, then again you may not  ;D ;D
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14717.0.html
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline waffey

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2018, 06:37:58 PM »
thanks nurse Julie.

see the picture of one fork tube, it has some deep marks in it. Do you think they will polish out or do they need filling first with???? and then polished.

I've tried uploading an image but I get an error (it meets the criteria)
Bikes:
Triumph Street Twin
Suzuki Address 110 Scooter
Suzuki TL1000s
BMW R1200GS LC
Honda CB400 F2 1977 (restoration underway)

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2018, 07:00:07 PM »
thanks nurse Julie.

see the picture of one fork tube, it has some deep marks in it. Do you think they will polish out or do they need filling first with???? and then polished.

I've tried uploading an image but I get an error (it meets the criteria)
Just had a close look at your pics Waffey and to be honest, to me, they look f****d. If they were mine, I would send them to Philpots Hard Chroming in Luton and have them re furbed.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Integra99

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2018, 11:55:53 AM »

Those forks are done.. I bought some replacements was cheaper than rechrome and sold the old ones.  Leave top nut on a few threads and give it a few knocks with a rubber mallet.

Dont worry about the bearings if they fall out they will be tosh.. I'd replace with roller bearings! Ps you need a 3mm washer to sit under the first lower bearing on the stem, I found this out the hard way by saving money and buying the bearings direct.. think the DS ones come with the washer!

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2018, 09:57:03 PM »
I think I paid 140 pounds for a rechrome from Philpotts.  I dropped them off and collected in person saving the postage cost and I was given a tour of the workshop  :).
The argument of new vs rechromed is you know the rechromed forks are yours and have been trued by Philpotts to check for straightness. I had a pair rechromed in 1990 by Philpotts and they are as good as new, not a mark on them.
You can also send the fork top nuts at the same time as Trigger mentions in a previous thread and they will chrome these for you.
Alternatively, buy new, keep the old forks and use them to grate cheese  ;)
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline waffey

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Re: Steering Head Removal and Forks
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2018, 09:44:19 PM »
I'll probably purchase new stanchions from davidsilver spares.

lower forks not sure yet whether to fill and polish, fill and paint or live with the deep marks
Bikes:
Triumph Street Twin
Suzuki Address 110 Scooter
Suzuki TL1000s
BMW R1200GS LC
Honda CB400 F2 1977 (restoration underway)

 

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