Author Topic: Removing steering head bearings  (Read 813 times)

Offline DayvW

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Removing steering head bearings
« on: October 30, 2019, 07:45:20 PM »
Hi,
Many moons ago I bought a 400-4 and rebuilt the engine.  it was my first attempt at refurbishing a (bit of a) bike - and it worked out pretty well.  The engine worked well - and after lots of help from the lovely peeps in this very forum.  However there were a few bits I wanted to do better - and a few threads that need repairing which meant I wasn't totally happy that I should ride it too much before I got to it.  Meanwhile I have to confess I have refurbished a Suzuki GT550.  Sorry (!).  But - now I am back to my 400-4 - and am currently stripping the bike completely and doing the lot - including rebuilding the engine sorting the niggly bits I wasnt happy about (oh - and a new clutch which I should have done first time around!). 

So - to my (initial!) question.  I'm going to get the frame and some other bits powder coated (I hoped to leave it with its original paint - but now I can see it clearly - its not original .. and badly applied .. so a recommended place in Redditch will get a call soon!).  The steering head bearings (balls) all look great - but clearly need to be removed from the frame and steering stem before the powder coating - but I have no idea how to remove them (rookie question I'm sure ... but rookie I defo am!!).  Can someone suggest how best to do this?

Thanks everso,
Dave.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2019, 08:24:58 PM »
Large hammer and drift BUT if you are going to fit new or tapers leave the in and remove after powder coating likewise protect all threads and blank off any holes where shafts go like rear brake pedal shaft or you will be spending hours removing powder coat. Should you ever want to MOT the tester needs to be able to read the stamped numer as well!!

Offline DayvW

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2019, 10:51:28 PM »
Ah, I see. Well for the bearings on the frame, but what about the one at the bottom of the stem? Thanks.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2019, 01:20:38 AM »
Same hammer but old large screwdriver

Offline DayvW

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2019, 08:07:23 AM »
So brute force  :D. Ok, thanks.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2019, 09:37:04 AM »
Either that or a dremel with cutting disc mate, which is what i had to do to get the lower taper outer race out as there is no lip to beat on

Offline Sprocket

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2019, 11:12:06 AM »
Brute force, yes. But not too much, it's just perseverance rather than steel bending.

Note about powder coating. If I had the choice again, I'd choose not to. I'd go for paint. I wanted to retain the frame number on the headstock, so the powder coater suggested masking off the number, shooting black, remove masking then shooting a clear coat. This meant two thick coats and in my naivety, i said 'yeah that's fine!'.

Resultant powder coat is pretty thick, and has caused some fitment issues I wasn't prepared for (inside of the engine mount points was so thick it had to be chiselled away!) If you are going to do it, ask how thick it will end up and ask to see some examples on things other than flat colour swatch pieces of metal.

Online paul G

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2019, 12:12:01 PM »
Brute force, yes. But not too much, it's just perseverance rather than steel bending.

Note about powder coating. If I had the choice again, I'd choose not to. I'd go for paint. I wanted to retain the frame number on the headstock, so the powder coater suggested masking off the number, shooting black, remove masking then shooting a clear coat. This meant two thick coats and in my naivety, i said 'yeah that's fine!'.

Resultant powder coat is pretty thick, and has caused some fitment issues I wasn't prepared for (inside of the engine mount points was so thick it had to be chiselled away!) If you are going to do it, ask how thick it will end up and ask to see some examples on things other than flat colour swatch pieces of metal.
Or just take it to a decent powder coater who knows what they are doing as they should mask all those areas ;)
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Offline Trigger

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2019, 12:24:39 PM »
They all say, that they know what they are doing  ;)  Many moons ago I took a front and rear brake hub for powder, he said, don't worry I have done shed load. Came back to me with the rear drum brake surface powdered and the font hub had paint on the disc mount machined surface  :o

Got it chemically cleaned and sent him the bill  ;)

Offline DayvW

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Re: Removing steering head bearings
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2019, 08:01:56 PM »
Thanks all.  For the GT I used a guy in Bristol that was great - all the right bits masked and a lovely finish.  Since then we have moved and there is a place in Redditch that has a great reputation (and do work for National Motorcycle Museum  .. so quite a good pedigree!) that I would have previously used (but too far) that I plan to use.  I'll check that they mask all that they should - and a great question on thickness and the visibility of the serial number (the GT was fine - yes - less defined - but still clear).  I wouldn't use a company that specialises in powder coating garden furniture that's for sure! :) .  I'll take before and after pics and post them here so you can judge (and share my pain if it goes badly!).  Mind you - some way off that stage ...

 

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