Head bearing dust seal

[andy120t]

I'm in the process of replacing head bearings.

Looking at the CMSNL parts diagram for the 550K3 the lower bearing is built up from the following:

Washer (9)
Dust seal (5)
Race (
Ball bearings (24)
Race (3)

(numbers in brackets are the numbers on the CMSNL diagram).

I've bought aftermarket taper bearings so am ignoring parts (8/3/24). Question is - Number 5, the dust seal, do I need this or is this also part of the "bearing". Working assumption is that as my taper bearings are sealed I will not need this.

Also, do I need the washer..? (part 9).
Cheers.

[Spitfire]

Depends on the kit, some use the washer and seal others do not.

Cheers

Den

[andy_c101]

hi,
I can't give a definitive answer; all I can say is that having just done my 550k3 head bearings with taper rollers from (d/silver), I did NOT fit a dust seal.
I too had the same dilema. D/silvers couldnt give me a definite statement.
I tried using the original old Honda dust seal, but it just sqwuished out of shape, and was left fouling the taper rollers, so I had to extract the bearing again (a right pain!).
So once installed, I decided to apply a generous layer of grease under the lower end of taper roller bearing assembly to keep and water spray n dust out. I figured that as a low mileage fair weather rider (whimp, I know...) the bearing should be ok.

PS: with my aftermarket (d/silver) taper roller kit, it came with a thick (3-4mm?) washer. - Don't use that washer on the 550k3, I wasnt left with enough thread for the upper bearing retainer.

PPS; My headstock is now really solid, - much better than with the original balls.

Good luck.
Andy C

[Spitfire]

Probably not much help but here are the instructions from the DSS kit that I got, I also did not fit a seal and whacked in a load of grease.



Cheers

Den

[Yoshi823]

I'm in the process of replacing head bearings.

Looking at the CMSNL parts diagram for the 550K3 the lower bearing is built up from the following:

Washer (9)
Dust seal (5)
Race (
Ball bearings (24)
Race (3)

(numbers in brackets are the numbers on the CMSNL diagram).

I've bought aftermarket taper bearings so am ignoring parts (8/3/24). Question is - Number 5, the dust seal, do I need this or is this also part of the "bearing". Working assumption is that as my taper bearings are sealed I will not need this.

Also, do I need the washer..? (part 9).
Cheers.

The new taper roller bearings are not sealed in the same sense as wheel bearings are...there is a gap. But copious amounts of grease is normally the best method of sealing the bearings from the elements, although there is a very thin bearing seal that can be purchased that can go between the lower taper bearing & the lower part of the steering stem...but I havn't got this part number to hand at the moment...i'll see if I can find it & post it on here.
But as has been said, many of these bikes are low mileage per annum fun machines that are not likely to see the worst ravages of another Winter like we have just encountered, so i'd just go with lots of grease.

[andy120t]

Thanks for the replies. My concern is now about the  washer as much as the dust seal - is there a reason for having this ie to seat the bearings on.

The bearing kit I have only has the bearings in and they are "open" so am happy to apply stacks of grease to them. Just interested in the use of the washer. Might buy one anyway and measure it all up carefully before fitting....and finding out I have to take the bearings off again!

[andy_c101]

As I said, I didnt use any washer & my steering head bearings are ust fine.

[Yoshi823]

Ok...I have finally managed to locate the dust seal that I had mentioned previously.

The ID is 30mm
The OD is 56mm
The thickness of the metal part of the seal is 0.5mm
There's a rubber lip around the outside edge.

The Honda part number is 53214-371-010.