Topic: All Ballz tapered bearings install, a bit loose?

[Ericcb750]

Hey guys, After powder coating my frame I installed the All ballz tapered bearings in the neck. I've recently been getting a bounce in my front end and I figured out that this is the culprit. It was loose at first. I've gone in and tightened it up but I'm still getting a tiny bit of movement when I grab the front brake and rock it forward and backward. it's definitely better than before but still a little loose. I'm hoping I put them together correctly?? Has anyone installed these and if so how did you do it? After removing the old bearings/races/ etc. I put the small washer on the stem, then the lower seal, lower bearing. On the top i just have the bearing and the top seal, and I have the large washer left over.... Is this correct? Maybe I'm just not getting the spanner nut tight enough? The spanner wrench I have is for the shocks and is small.. Can anyone give me some tips on getting this rock solid and tight ? Or please let met know if I assembled these correctly? Thank you all for your help, I really apprecaite it .

[flybox1]

Your stack on the stem sounds in the right order, but did you measure the stack height and NEED the smaller spacer, or did you just guess?

[fendersrule]

You have it all assembled in the correct order.

Your steering bearings are still too loose.

You should NOT be able to get any movement when rocking the forks sideways and front to back.

Keep tightening the bearing adjuster nut until the play goes away. You should always be able to use a shock adjuster tool to do this. You have to loosen the triple clamp. Use a rubber hammer to tap it upwards so you can fit your shock tool on the adjuster nut.

Also, inspect the BOTTOM area of the steering stem to make sure it is not coming in contact with anything as you pivot the steering left and right. If it's coming in contact with something, then you need to use the larger spacer for the bottom bearing.

I never measured my old bearing height, but it's a fantastic idea. It saves you from guesswork, headaches, and buying a second kit. Don't ask me how I know this.

[flybox1]

lots of good info here...http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1516.525

if you use the smaller shim under the stem stack, you may run out of tightening threads at the top to get the lower stack up firmly against the race in the bottom of the neck.  It may always be loose. 

[Ericcb750]

Thanks guys. I actually watched a you tube video of a kid installing these in a cb750, I did not measure though. crap. I will check tonight to make sure and see if it is hitting anywhere. It's almost perfect, just off by a tiny bit. I also understand what your saying flybox about running out of threads at the top, i'll check that as well. I'm hoping I just need to use the rubber mallet and tighten it up good. I just wasn't sure if I assembled this incorrectly..... Thank you guys, I really appreciate it. i'll be sure to let you know what happens. Also, I did a thread about a question regarding my Clutch today. If you guys have a moment I could use a bit of help and some tips/advice on it. Thank you very much . it says "Clutch arm adjustment"

[Trad]

I adjusted mine with the front wheel off the bike. I tightened it until there was no "play" and it had a bit of resistance when turning side to side. I put the wheel on and the weight of the wheel made the side to side turning as smooth as butter without play. I would rather have the headset adjusted a bit snug then a bit loose. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with it.

[Ericcb750]

thanks Trad,  Did you assemble the stem/bottom tree the same way as I did? At the top did you just have the Race, Bearing, and Dust seal? Then the spanner nut, top tree ? I think i put it together correctly but want to be sure. Also , did you really really have the wrench down on the spanner ? Thanks for your help/tips

[Trad]

thanks Trad,  Did you assemble the stem/bottom tree the same way as I did? At the top did you just have the Race, Bearing, and Dust seal? Then the spanner nut, top tree ? I think i put it together correctly but want to be sure. Also , did you really really have the wrench down on the spanner ? Thanks for your help/tips

No worries. You assembled it right. Mine is the same way on the bottom and at the top it's race, bearing, seal, spanner. I didn't have to wrench too hard to get a good tight compression on the bearings. I would just double check that the races are pressed in evenly and are seated flush all the way around. It would be pretty hard to damage the bearings by hand so just crank it until it's snug and has a bit or resistance turning to side with the wheel off. 

[Ericcb750]

I'm very happy to hear that you did it the same way. Trad, thank you very much for your help on this. I'm going to check this out tonight and I'll be sure to let you know the verdict. Thanks again!!!! If you get a sec, can you take a look at my clutch arm adjust thread? I had a question on something there too, if you have the time . Thanks a lot.