SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

Steering Head Bearings

<< < (2/5) > >>

AndyD:
Steve,
I had problems with tapered head bearings on the 400 and also on the CJ250t (same bearings) where the upper bearing sits higher than the originals.
This was with both All Balls and tapered bearings from Wemoto and it seems to be a common issue.

On the CJ I had the original bearings and side by side could see the difference in height of the upper bearing.
I ended up filing off the ridges in the securing nut to gain a bit of thread but not really happy with it.

Now doing a CJ360T which again has the same bearings and I've ordered some bearings from Wemoto which look to be more like the originals but at a good price. These should arrive over the next few days so I can measure these up against originals and see if this my be a good option - or maybe someone else here has experience of this type?

Cheers,
Andy

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
When I measured up I found the following:-

Original Ball Bearings Top 26 x 48.5 x 15
original Ball Bearings Bottom 30 x 50 x 18

JMT Tapper Roller  Bearings Top 26 x 48.5 x 15.75
JMT Tapper Roller Bearings Bottom 30 x 50 x 15

At first glance it looks okay as if you add  the two bearing heights together Ball Bearings are a total of 33 mm as against tapers at 30.75 so it appears doable as most will supply you with a spacer in the kits.
Fitting the bottom taper bearing without a spacer gives you clearance issues as the lower fork bracket will contact the bottom of the frame/column - not sure what impact that has on the steering column lock / slot  arrangement.
I used a 3 mm spacer at the bottom so it gave me the original clearances. I did not bother trying to fit the top taper bearing as that leads to a loss of threads at the top so I just used a plain bearing at the top. I am given to understand that at one time top taper bearings were available that were shallower - I could not find any.
I guess with the right machinery it could be possible to reduce the overall height by 0.75 mm.

Andych:
If that top bearing dimension is correct at 26 x 48.5 x 15 then you should be able to buy them... this is what came up on Fleabay Australia.
They are based in the UK.. there were also a search as well
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/270634303381

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):

--- Quote from: Andych on August 18, 2021, 09:53:21 AM ---If that top bearing dimension is correct at 26 x 48.5 x 15 then you should be able to buy them... this is what came up on Fleabay Australia.
They are based in the UK.. there were also a search as well
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/270634303381

--- End quote ---
That was the standard ball bearing kit size I purchased - my old one was "about" the same but was well rusted!
Some sellers give the bearing height they are selling some don't.
The bottom seal design appears to be useless - mine had a large rubber ring that although in good condition obviously did not work looking at the state of the bearings - not sure if this is the standard part. It's a shame Honda did not fit a conventional shaft seal arrangement.

The link you have posted appears to be a firm in Scotland who are selling in Australia so they ought to be available here in the UK - well found Andy!

UK link not bad @ £12.99 each incl P&P
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290781743090?hash=item43b3f147f2:g:dmYAAOSw7n9XFIAG

Too late for me I've fitted plain at the top - worth considering for the future.

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):

--- Quote from: Oddjob on August 19, 2021, 01:30:04 AM ---I fitted a set of tapers in the early 80s to my 500, just removed one tonight and the top bearing is stamped 26 x 48 x 15. However they don't seem to make that size anymore. When I remove the bottom race I'll post what's stamped on that. There was a 3mm spacer under the bottom taper.

--- End quote ---

I think you are onto something here Oddjob - I can't check my old original inner race as I have binned it as it was so rusted but I have the outer races. I've checked my old note book and am now having doubts about the O/D being 48.5 even though I have recorded the shaft measurements & bearing sizes several times. The parts manual & DS does not give the bearing dimensions. The original part number was superceded to 53211-268-010 according to DS but thats unlikely to be an explaination.

Please disregard my Top Bearing inside diameter measurements - they are clearly unreliable.

You can't argue with the sizes given by Oddjob marked from a bearing.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page