Topic: Steering head bearings, need a tip

[Sporkfly]

Hey guys,

I'm hoping somebody can give me a pointer here. I knocked all but one race off and they came easily, but the one at the bottom of the frame (proper terminology is escaping me here) has given me an issue. It started to come out using some steel resting evenly around the entire race, but for whatever reason it cocked sideways. Currently it's about half way out on one edge and didn't budge on the other side. I hit that edge with a propane torch hoping to get it to move - no dice.

So, how would one go about removing a race that has gone crooked in the steering head?

[Markcb750]

The better mechanics here recommend cutting it with a Dremel tool.


Some of us hacks just beat the hell out of it with a aluminum drift.

[MCRider]

Hey guys,

I'm hoping somebody can give me a pointer here. I knocked all but one race off and they came easily, but the one at the bottom of the frame (proper terminology is escaping me here) has given me an issue. It started to come out using some steel resting evenly around the entire race, but for whatever reason it cocked sideways. Currently it's about half way out on one edge and didn't budge on the other side. I hit that edge with a propane torch hoping to get it to move - no dice.

So, how would one go about removing a race that has gone crooked in the steering head?

usually its the one on the steering strem that gives the problem.

Its sacrificial, right?  If wailing on it doesn't appeal to you, use a cutting wheel on a Dremel tool, cut one or two slots and smack it.

Be careful about me, I like to type the word "wail".    So many things need to be done with care and finesse. I look forward to those that don't, take out some frustration.

[Alan F.]

"wail"

Yup, hose it down with your favorite spray lube and beat the crap out of it.  The steering neck is pretty stout and should handle the abuse. 
A few pints should ease your inhibitions about the whole matter beforehand if all else fails.

[mystic_1]

Tap it back in a bit on the side where it's out the most.  This will straighten it out and you should be able to tap it out.

mystic_1

[FunJimmy]

Tap it back in a bit on the side where it's out the most.  This will straighten it out and you should be able to tap it out.

+1

[cxtecs]

+1 on knocking it back in to straighten it out.  But here's a link for making a homemade tool to help do the job easier:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bicycle-headset-cup-removal-tool/

I made mine with thread and superglue.  I've used mine to remove bearing races from head tubes of many bicycles and a couple motorcycles.  Three years later, and it's still solid.  It also works good for removing swingarm bushings.

To put races back into headtube, use a length of all-thread with wide enough washers to accomodate the width of the bearing races.  Put a nut on each end of the all-thread, then wrench the races in one at a time (upper and lower).

Warning: the homemade removal tool will not work for the lower race when tapered bearings are installed (on CB750).  But it does work great for removing the stock cups.

[bunghole]

I beat the crap out of mine.  It got crooked and actually started to plow some head metal into a ridge.  I just kept wailing on it and it eventually broke in two and fell out.  I sanded the ridge down and suprisingly, the replacement went it nice and easy

[Hush]

Mine cut a track on the way out that looked like I'd gone in there with a drill but that sanded out OK and the new bearings fitted perfectly so as suggested straighten it up and then just beat it out.

[mystic_1]

Mine came out relatively easily, a few good taps with the drift and they came out nice and clean, no binds, no marks.

Sorry.   

mystic_1