Author Topic: Steering issue after tapered bearing install (Read 7702 times)

mtrdrms · « **on:** July 26, 2012, 03:09:54 PM »

Hello all,
I just put tapered steering stem bearings from All Balls in my 72 500. It didnt need it but I had the forks off to do the seals so i figured what the hell. So I just got it all back together and took it for a test ride and whoa! Scary! It feels like I am driving a chopper. It won't turn. The bearings arent set too tight but I guess thats what it feels like. Any suggestions from those who have been here? Thanks!

Andy

camelman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2012, 03:29:48 PM »

Shouldn't do that. Cab you get the front wheel off the ground to see how it turns without load on it? It should be silky smooth.

CycleRanger · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2012, 04:35:33 PM »

Did you install the correct spacer on the lower race? Do a search here, there's several good threads about tapered bearing installs.

mtrdrms · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2012, 05:10:41 PM »

Will do, thank you. I did put the spacer above the lower race and yes it does rotate freely if I take the front wheel off the ground. It seems to get alot worse if I tighten the top clamp chrome nut at all. If I leave it loose it seems somewhat better. Could it be fork binding?

aperry · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2012, 05:43:37 PM »

Do you have the collar installed on the steering stem, which is notched around the outside so it can be tightened with the same tool that adjusts the preload of the shocks? I believe the collar is just underneath the top triple tree. This is what should be controlling the tightness of the bearings and it needs to be set carefully. If this is installed, then I don't think the chrome nut on top of the upper triple tree should make any difference to steering tightness. I could be wrong. It's just how I remember it.

Tews19 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2012, 05:54:52 PM »

Bottom race shouldn't have a washer on top then the race in the neck. The washer goes on the stem itself. Then the rubber gasket then the tapered bearing.

Bottom should look like this.

mtrdrms · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2012, 07:01:14 PM »

Dammit. Do you think this will cause a problem?

CycleRanger · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2012, 07:06:22 PM »

Quote from: mtrdrms on July 26, 2012, 07:01:14 PM

Dammit. Do you think this will cause a problem?

Sounds like it already has...

You may be able to drive out the race without damage but you probably won't be able to remove the lower bearing without damaging it.

Tews19 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2012, 07:08:20 PM »

Not sure what you call the part that holds the ball bearing on the lower stem but that needs to be removed before you put on the thing washer, gasket then tapered bearings.

killersoundz · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2012, 07:25:45 PM »

I made a video detailing my installation. Hope it helps

How to install tapered steering bearing kit on Honda CB750 SOHC

mtrdrms · « **Reply #10 on:** July 26, 2012, 08:11:19 PM »

Very cool! Thanks! I fixed the prob and will test ride tomorrow and report back.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2012, 01:17:49 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 26, 2012, 05:54:52 PM

Bottom race shouldn't have a washer on top then the race in the neck. The washer goes on the stem itself. Then the rubber gasket then the tapered bearing.

Bottom should look like this.

My washer didn't go in like that. Mine actually went in the frame from the bottom. I tried other ways but this was the only way that worked for me.

lucky · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2012, 01:25:58 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 26, 2012, 07:08:20 PM

Not sure what you call the part that holds the ball bearing on the lower stem but that needs to be removed before you put on the thing washer, gasket then tapered bearings.

It is called the inner race. Yes it needed to be removed.
At 7:04 seconds on the video you made the 2nd mistake that caused the problem.
That thick washer had to go on the triple tree first. Not that thin washer.

It has to have the thicker washer on first. It makes the clearance so the triple tree does not rub the fork stop on the bottom of the frame headstock.

You will have to take it apart.
Use a brass punch on the bearing races .DO NOT pound on the race with a screw driver blade or any steel tool. It will deform the race.

One more thing. The way to put the grease in the bearing..... Put the grease in the palm of your hand like you did but then hold the bearing on one side with the small end sticking up.
Then make a downward stroking motion on the grease forcing the grease upwards through the bearing until you see the grease push out the top of the bearing.

All you have to do is take it apart and carefully, tap the bottom race off and then put that thick steel washer on the bottom first.

lucky · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2012, 01:47:16 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 26, 2012, 07:08:20 PM

Not sure what you call the part that holds the ball bearing on the lower stem but that needs to be removed before you put on the thing washer, gasket then tapered bearings.

It is not a ball bearing . It is a tapered roller bearing.
That part you are referring to is the triple tree (lower) with stem.

lucky · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2012, 01:48:37 AM »

Quote from: CycleRanger on July 26, 2012, 04:35:33 PM

Did you install the correct spacer on the lower race? Do a search here, there's several good threads about tapered bearing installs.

Cycle Ranger !!! We have a winner!!!

Thick spacer goes on the bottom of the stem first.

lucky · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2012, 01:51:41 AM »

BTW...This was not the OP's fault. There is no talk on the directions about the thick spacer.

Only a experienced mechanic would remember how thick the original bottom race
was and make the adjustment to get the proper clearance so the fork stop does not rub on the triple tree.

Good thing the OP did not try to tighten the top nut too far.

Tews19 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2012, 05:43:51 AM »

I know from what Ive done on several installations on CBs is the smaller washer is always used. You are the first to state to use the thick washer for installation on a stock set up. All balls states most customers have gone with the smaller. But hey maybe I've been doin this incorrectly the entire time.

DJ_AX · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2012, 06:12:07 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 27, 2012, 05:43:51 AM

I know from what Ive done on several installations on CBs is the smaller washer is always used. You are the first to state to use the thick washer for installation on a stock set up. All balls states most customers have gone with the smaller. But hey maybe I've been doin this incorrectly the entire time.

+1

Tews19 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 27, 2012, 06:15:01 AM »

Quote from: DJ_AX on July 27, 2012, 06:12:07 AM

Quote from: Tews19 on July 27, 2012, 05:43:51 AM
I know from what Ive done on several installations on CBs is the smaller washer is always used. You are the first to state to use the thick washer for installation on a stock set up. All balls states most customers have gone with the smaller. But hey maybe I've been doin this incorrectly the entire time.
+1

DJ am I wrong here? Any input? Criticism is welcome! Plus if I have been doing this wrong I will take the bikes apart and correct.

DJ_AX · « **Reply #19 on:** July 27, 2012, 06:38:25 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 27, 2012, 06:15:01 AM

Quote from: DJ_AX on July 27, 2012, 06:12:07 AM
Quote from: Tews19 on July 27, 2012, 05:43:51 AM
I know from what Ive done on several installations on CBs is the smaller washer is always used. You are the first to state to use the thick washer for installation on a stock set up. All balls states most customers have gone with the smaller. But hey maybe I've been doin this incorrectly the entire time.
+1

DJ am I wrong here? Any input? Criticism is welcome! Plus if I have been doing this wrong I will take the bikes apart and correct.

dat's right.

as far as I know... I'm two for two with the thin spacer...
and seen from others threads here.... at least 9 out of 10 SOHCers seem to agree.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #20 on:** July 27, 2012, 06:54:11 AM »

My bearings were assembled like post #243 in this thread. I can't remember which washer I used though.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1516.225

CycleRanger · « **Reply #21 on:** July 27, 2012, 07:22:43 AM »

Yes, thinner washer.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #22 on:** July 27, 2012, 07:34:34 AM »

thin washer for me on my 750.

lucky · « **Reply #23 on:** July 27, 2012, 12:40:23 PM »

Look at the video closely and you will see that the fork stop is VERY close to the triple tree.

But all that really that matters is that it has clearance.

But something WAS keeping it from turning.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #24 on:** July 27, 2012, 04:54:08 PM »

Killersoundz, are you sure your top race was seated fully in the frame? It looks like it was sitting proud of the frame a bit to me.

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Author Topic: Steering issue after tapered bearing install (Read 7702 times)