Author Topic: CB350F steering races  (Read 1205 times)

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Offline Johnny5

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CB350F steering races
« on: December 05, 2016, 04:01:49 PM »
I knocked out the races when I sent the frame off to powder coating. Now, I'm putting them back in. The powdercoater did a great job masking off areas where bolts and pieces go but even so, I'm having a tough time getting the races back into the steering column. I carefully tapped them in so they are flush with the frame, but these need to be tapped in all the way until they hit the stop, correct?

Trying to figure out a way to tap them in without marring the frame. Maybe a large socket, or carefully using a screwdriver and hammer along the edge of the race. Any tips would be great.
www.kerosenecycles.com
1971 CB350
1973 CB350F
2006 Harley Springer Classic

Offline gtmdriver

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2016, 11:06:37 PM »
A large socket is usually my choice but you can also use the old bearings if you are careful.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2016, 01:32:47 AM »
Freeze it and grease it  8)

Offline Johnny5

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2016, 03:53:08 AM »
Freeze it and grease it  8)

That worked for the wheel bearings....should've known it might work for this too!
www.kerosenecycles.com
1971 CB350
1973 CB350F
2006 Harley Springer Classic

Offline JustDennis

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2016, 07:46:19 AM »
Good information. Will try that too.

Offline Johnny5

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2016, 08:11:37 AM »
I don't see any specs to measure if they are driven home enough. The bottom race is driven in 10mm from the outer part of the race to the edge of the column. The top race is sunken in about 1mm. Does this sound right?
www.kerosenecycles.com
1971 CB350
1973 CB350F
2006 Harley Springer Classic

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2016, 09:36:22 AM »
Installing tapered bearing kit or oem roller ball?

Offline Johnny5

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2016, 10:06:10 AM »
Stock bearings and races. They were in great shape.
www.kerosenecycles.com
1971 CB350
1973 CB350F
2006 Harley Springer Classic

Offline jonda500

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2016, 03:31:36 PM »
You know they're all the way in when the noise tapping them in makes changes tone and they stop moving when you hit them.
John
Remember that an ignoramus is only someone who doesn't know something you just learned yesterday!

A starter clutch thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,122084.0.html
1972 CB500K1 original 4 owner bike
1972 CB500K1 returned to complete/original condition
1975 CB550F built from parts - project thread:
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197? CB500/550 constructing from left over parts
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Offline ADW

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Re: CB350F steering races
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2016, 06:25:41 AM »
Here is a tool I made for my KLR650 that would work in this application too with different sockets. It's just a piece of all-thread and nuts and washers. This photo shows it with my old bearing races on there that I'm using as drivers since I have them, but if you're reusing your old races you don't need them to do the job. It's just nice to use if you do have them because they fit perfectly. If you're using old races, be sure you slit one side of them with a hacksaw or (easier) Dremel and cutting wheel so you can remove them from the bore of the frame after pulling your new race in! (Sometimes the bearings go flush with the frame, but on other bikes they are deeper in the stem, so your old one would pull right in too).

You can see how it works...first grease the OD of your bearing races and the ID of the frame. Then put one or the other race in the frame and tap it with a hammer a bit to get it started and make sure it's lined up. Then install this tool through the frame and put a socket that is juuuust slightly smaller than the OD of the race. The heavy black washer goes on the other side of the frame hole. If you don't have washers you could use a piece of steel with a hole through it, whatever you have that can act as a strong base for the tool to pull against.

Obviously you tighten the nuts until everything snugs up. Then check the alignment of your socket one last time and start turning the nut above the socket to pull the race down in. When you are sure it has gone as far as it's going to, remove the tool and, carefully, using a hammer and pin punch, drive around all the edges of the race to ensure it's fully seated. As others have said, you can hear and feel when it's in for sure. You get a much more solid "THUNK" and feel when the bearing is bottomed. Then, obviously, flip things over and do it for the other side.

Inexpensive tool and it works great. Make it once and it'll work on any bike you have. Make sure the all-thread you buy fits through the square drive of your sockets.
« Last Edit: December 08, 2016, 09:04:22 AM by ADW »