Author Topic: steering stem bearings  (Read 3706 times)

Offline antonypo

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steering stem bearings
« on: October 02, 2014, 03:43:57 PM »
I've just removed the top and bottom yolk, front forks(cb 750k4 usa) ready for the frame to go to be powder coated. The manual says the bearings may fall out and so they did!
These are loose ball bearings which I didn't realise. My question is do I have to replace like for like or is there a modern sealed alternative I can use?
Secondly the top of each fork sealed behind the chrome shroud is very rusty.Was this area never chromed and is it ok the way it is. The area behind the gators is chrome and in good condition and the seals are not leaking. ;)
Antony

Offline hairygit

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2014, 03:46:07 PM »
Yes, you can use tapered roller bearings as a good replacement, and a lot less fiddly. Available on e-bay or D.S.S. to name a couple of places ;D
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline antonypo

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2014, 05:41:50 PM »
Great thanks. Ive just noticed when the bearings came out there is stlll a tapered part in the top and bottom of the yolk. Does this need to be removed as it doesnt seem to want to be?
I suppose its the top and bottom cover of the original bearings and so needs to be persuaded before a new set can be inserted ????
Antony

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2014, 06:51:01 PM »
Anthony
It up to you as mine had no races in it I went for taper and yes both the cones are discarded with tapers.If the old ones are not pitted dented etc just replace the balls.As for the tubes they all rust behind the light ears as water gets in everywhere eventually.Depending on how much metal has been eaten away on both of mine just cleaned them up and smothered them in grease all's fine
Cheers
Bitsa
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Offline antonypo

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2014, 07:27:47 PM »
Thanks i will persuade them out tomorrow.
Another thing that's holding me back is the numpty who owned it before me ground off the "ears" where the seat hinges meet the frame. They put on a horrible seat(see my logo) and it must have been in the way.
 I put on a new seat and the tank back(repainted) and then put on the seat lock to try and see where it goes nad how to true it up. I cant coat the frame till its been welded on but i am tempted to go ahead and maybe screw on a plate at a later date with the ears on later if possible. Has anyone had this problem before? Id hate to have a scewwiff seat after spending all this time and money on it.
Antony

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2014, 07:50:01 PM »
Yeah friggin cafe brain deads if you can wait until tommorrow I will take some photos of mine with a slide tape so you can work out where they go
Cheers
Bitsa
Long Live Best Bitter.Status Quo and Sohc Bikes and common sense which you can not teach

Offline antonypo

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2014, 11:40:15 PM »
Thats really kind of you. Thanks a bunch
Antony

Offline UK Pete

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2014, 06:54:18 AM »
Take out the cups/ races in the frame before powder coating , also do any frame repairs before as you will only regret it dont be tempted to rush, also the fork legs were not chromed beyond the travel area so it is normal to see rust,
pete

Offline antonypo

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2014, 06:56:12 PM »
ordered the bearings from the link - thanks all. Dangerous though as I also ordered the chrome shrouds,gators chrome tops for forks and yolk, washers, then noticed i dont have the reflectors and backing plate. also rubbers and oil seals the list goes on.
Anyway after thinking i'd spend about fifty quid on seals and tapered bearings i wont get any change out of £270 !!!
Dont you just love D.S.S.
Antony

Offline Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2014, 07:31:09 PM »
Used to but now NO too bloody dear :( :(
Cheers
Bitsa
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bike-pusher

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #10 on: October 04, 2014, 08:17:05 AM »
Top tip: put the cones/races in the freezer for half an hour before fitting, and wrap the steering head in rags, then soak with boiling water, and repeat.  When the head is nice and hot, whip the bearing races out of the freezer.

The cold makes the bearings contract, and the heat makes the steering head expand, and the bearings are a lot easier to fit.

For the inner race that goes on the bottom of the steering stem, obviously, reverse the procedure - stem in the freezer, warm the bearings in the oven or similar.

Lots and lots of grease on them, obviously, and it's worth squirting some chain lube over them as well, as this gets carried deep into the races.

Offline antonypo

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Re: steering stem bearings
« Reply #11 on: October 04, 2014, 11:19:53 AM »
Thanks for the advice.
 I get the 1st bit about the top bearing but why would you want the bottom in the reverse?
Sorry my "novice head" don't get it !
Thought it would still want to sit nicely inside the bottom yolk?
Antony

 

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