Topic: Number Of Ball Bearings In Steering Head

[fourplay]

I removed my front forks today. I had a notch in the steering action. In the straight ahead position It was like a notch was there to lock it in.

I disassembled and cleaned everything. When i but the bearings back I just left one out on the top and bottom. Thats how an old Triumph is. (Bottom and top bearings are different sizes though.)

I read now that there is supposed to be 18 in the bottom and 19 in the top. I really don't want to take all this apart again. you know what a pain those loose balls are. It took three tries for me to reassemble.(Hey I'm getting better at this. Last time I did a bike it took about 5 or 6 tries.)

I feel like I am OK but let me know what you folks think.

[dpen]

Why worry. Replace them with taper roller bearings, work better, last longer, easy fitment.

[cbjunkie]

totally agree. it's cheap and easy and then you can forget about it...

[nippon]

Hello,
if you don't follow the recommendation above.
For reassembling, "glue" your bearings with a lot of thick grease,
to hold them at the right place. But, i would go the way as
CBJunkie and dpen said.

By the way, there are 19 1/4-inch bearings at the top and at the bottom.
There would be enough space for a 20th but there are only 19 to avoid
rubbing


nippon

[fourplay]

Thanks for the input guys.

My manual says 19 bottom and 18 top. I already had my front forks back on then I noticed I had a ball left. DOH !

I was short on a top one. I hadn't put the top triple clamp on so it was easy to slip it in.

Those little balls are a pain, but I have been dealing with them for centuries. I find the rollor type are great to use. The only bike I have ever owned that used them was a Harley Davidson. My Triumph chopper uses the balls too, but I have a roller kit for it now. That heavy springer is a bit much for those little balls.

[nippon]

Yes, i know the sound of removing them,....pling,pling on the flloor.
I counted 19 of both sides and my repair manual told me the same.
But, check it out, you should see how much space you have available
at the bottom bearing seat and if there is additional space for one more ball bearing.

nippon

[cbjunkie]

send any extras to Raul...

[fourplay]

LOL. No Extras !

I guess the old rule of thumb is true. Leave out one ball so the others don't rub tightly against each other.

Either way, they are clean, regreased, and now my front forks turn nice and smooth.

I will check them again after 3000 miles.

[dusterdude]

Thanks for the input guys.

My manual says 19 bottom and 18 top. I already had my front forks back on then I noticed I had a ball left. DOH !

I was short on a top one. I hadn't put the top triple clamp on so it was easy to slip it in.

Those little balls are a pain, but I have been dealing with them for centuries. I find the rollor type are great to use. The only bike I have ever owned that used them was a Harley Davidson. My Triumph chopper uses the balls too, but I have a roller kit for it now. That heavy springer is a bit much for those little balls.

how many sportsters have you owned?