Topic: K1 lower triple difference w/pics

[Tews19]

Have the front end off of my K1. All balls bearing are all ready to be installed but now the top set won't go past the second section of threads.

Does this look correct or is this the wrong lower? I don't remember it being this difficult the first time or with my 550 to install the top bearings. If need be I will take apart my resto k1 to compare. 

Should I use the spare washer to pound it down? Afraid that will mess the threads.

[Stev-o]

Don't pound! Sounds like wrong bearings?

[Tews19]

All balls sent me a replacement set.... Tried both and same thing

[MCRider]

Its been a long time since I messed with these. But is that how they work?

I mean, you install the lowers, put the plain races in the frame head, top and bottom, put the lower tree in the frame head (steering head), then drop that race in place and it should hit the race in the frame. Not too far down the stem.  Then you spin down the stem nut and your done. There is no "installing" of the top bearings, they just drop into place.

OCICBW

[Tews19]

MC, I usually do it that way you described, But when I attempted too, the top bearing comes up and doesnt sit flush. All 3 other sets I have done have gone in easy.

[MCRider]

MC, I usually do it that way you described, But when I attempted too, the top bearing comes up and doesnt sit flush. All 3 other sets I have done have gone in easy.

If you've done 3 recently, you know more than me. Good luck.   

[754]

 Slide the top bearing down, and take a measurement Outside of bearing to outside of other bearing... sounds like it needs a shim on the bottom..

[seanbarney41]

maybe show us a pic with the steering stem slid into the frame, showing how the bottom fits and how much sticks out the top, also there should have been one of the three provided spacer under that bottom bearing

[Tews19]

I compared to another K1 stem. One was different. The smaller stem worked fine. I have the forks on and now waiting to swap the bearings in the hubs.

[754]

 one or more.. they are there to take up.."machining differences"..

 Myself I would install the 2 races and bearings, then mesure "the pack"..ie total length of bearings in running position then instal top bearing and measure to the bearing seating area on the tree.. then add sufficient spacer (spacers).

 I have mentioned this long ago..if you grind a small notch in the spacer, you may be able to get a thin screwdriver, in the notch, under the bearing to lift it up.. should there be a spacing error..

[Tews19]

Man I have nowhere the skills you have 754! I got confused reading your last post. I will mark this though as the triple will need to be used for my other k1

[Stev-o]

The "large" triple must be for another bike. I like that digital caliper, I need one of those. 

754 thinks quicker that he can type, his post was abbrievated!

[Tews19]

Digital caliper cost more then my second k1. It's my moms husbands. He let me use it this am and made me garauntee if I broke it I would have to buy a new one

It could be plausible I mixed the stem up with my  parts bin. Who knows. All fixed though.

[Stev-o]

It could have come on the bike?  Didn't have tapered bearing, right?

[Tews19]

I looked. It's the only stem I have besides the one I just took out of the other K1. It was in the silver k1. You are correct, no tapered prior.

[CycleRanger]

I like that digital caliper, I need one of those. 

~$30 or less from HF.  Accurate enough.

If it were me I might just get after that stem with a strip of emery cloth until the bearing fit.

[Tews19]

It couldn't make it past the threads.

[CycleRanger]

It couldn't make it past the threads.

well in that event.... I might start looking for a machine shop or a new triple tree.