Author Topic: I'm missing two balls...  (Read 1653 times)

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Offline fmctm1sw

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I'm missing two balls...
« on: July 11, 2009, 08:09:52 PM »
I counted 35.  According to the fische I need 37 #8 ball bearings for my steering stem.  Are these typical size I can buy anwhere?  Are they still available or does anyone have two they can send me?  I know about the tapered ones, but since I'm only two short I figured I'd try to find the right total...
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ev0lution7

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2009, 08:23:27 PM »
that topic looks dirty....


try looking in your pants ;)

why on this planet would putting in those AWEFUL ball bearings make sence!

for the headache your giving yourself and the cost of replacing 2 ballz


JUST BUY YOURSELF A TAPPERED ROLLER BEARING KIT!!!!

install and be DONE!

Offline Zaipai

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2009, 08:33:47 PM »
JUST BUY YOURSELF A TAPPERED ROLLER BEARING KIT!!!!

install and be DONE!

I would agree, if you can afford to do it thats the way to go. Other wise try the local Honda shop or ebay for them if you are truly missing them. How does it turn? Rough? Oh, by the way, what year/bike is it?
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Offline MCRider

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2009, 08:53:10 PM »
I counted 35.  According to the fische I need 37 #8 ball bearings for my steering stem.  Are these typical size I can buy anwhere?  Are they still available or does anyone have two they can send me?  I know about the tapered ones, but since I'm only two short I figured I'd try to find the right total...
Yes, #8 is equivalent to 1/4", available at bicycle shops and motorcycle shops in bulk or individually. Used across many models. Or bearing houses, etc.
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Offline PxTx

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2009, 09:14:44 PM »
Seems like I've seen threads saying that the tapered bearing kits are not a bolt in.  Is there a popular kit which makes the installation that simple?

that topic looks dirty....


try looking in your pants ;)

why on this planet would putting in those AWEFUL ball bearings make sence!

for the headache your giving yourself and the cost of replacing 2 ballz


JUST BUY YOURSELF A TAPPERED ROLLER BEARING KIT!!!!

install and be DONE!

Offline MCRider

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2009, 09:21:44 PM »
Seems like I've seen threads saying that the tapered bearing kits are not a bolt in.  Is there a popular kit which makes the installation that simple?

that topic looks dirty....


try looking in your pants ;)

why on this planet would putting in those AWEFUL ball bearings make sence!

for the headache your giving yourself and the cost of replacing 2 ballz


JUST BUY YOURSELF A TAPPERED ROLLER BEARING KIT!!!!

install and be DONE!

I would say no. Its something that can be done at a basic level but it takes commitment and I think 4 hours if you know what you're doing basically. There have been many threads of people getting hung up on the install of taper bearings, taking a lot longer and frustrating than thought, driving off the old races, figuring the spacers, etc.

It's still the best thing to do by far and should be on your list. But it's not like changing sparkplugs.
Ride Safe:
Ron
1988 NT650 HawkGT;  1978 CB400 Hawk;  1975 CB750F -Free Bird; 1968 CB77 Super Hawk -Ticker;  Phaedrus 1972 CB750K2- Build Thread
"Sometimes the light's all shining on me, other times I can barely see, lately it appears to me, what a long, strange trip its been."

Offline HondaMan

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2009, 09:21:59 PM »
If you REALLY still want some balls, PM me: I've got a bag full...
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Offline gregimotis

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2009, 09:42:29 PM »
If you REALLY still want some balls, PM me: I've got a bag full...


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Offline bikebitzofvt

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2009, 10:01:15 PM »
I wrote this big long explanation about finding 1/4" loose bearings, then MCrider beat me to the post!  In a pinch you should be able to find 'em and get 'er back on the road. 

So instead here's a quick walkthrough of installing tapered steering bearings:  I've easily done 75 or more of these installs on any of the big 4 Jap brands.

All Balls makes some good kits with OK quality (read: Chinese) bearings.  They include easy to follow instructions for figuring stack height and spacer selection.  Installation usually involves a spacer (thick washer) under the bottom bearing, to make up the height of the new tapered bearings being shorter than the old balls and races.  

Drive the old cones out of the frame with a long punch.  A few taps at different spots at a time - you don't want to cock the races in the bore.

Grease the new bearings.  Put a gob of grease in your palm and force the grease into the race with a swiping motion - tough to explain, but easy to do.  I've tried several bearing packer tools but haven't found any that work better than the old fashioned, albeit really messy way!

Stick the new races in the freezer overnight.  I put 'em in clean baggies and stuff em right in with the ice.  Once cold they'll usually drop right into the frame.  A few taps should set them in place if needed.

A chisel and hammer usually makes short work of getting the old lower race off the stem.  I use a pair of ancient wood chisels (don't tell my Dad!) and work 180 degrees apart.  A few raps and it's off.

For putting the new bearing on the lower stem I use a piece of galvinized pipe I've had around for ever.  Don't forget the spacer!!!  Dust seal slides on next (if applicable) then the bearing.  I've also used a length of an old fork tube on some bigger ones.  Only hit the center of the bearing or you risk damaging it.  On aluminum stems (modern sport bike) I freeze the stem but I haven't noticed any difference with steel ones.

Grease the surface of the stem.  This prevents rust - it's not like it's going anywhere, but moisture can always find a way in!

Slide the stem into the frame.  Install top bearing, then factoty dust cap and nut.  I add 15 to 25  lbs. to the factory torque spec and tighten it down, then loosen and retorque to factory spec.  This helps seat the bearings and cones.  

Now put the rest together and go ride!
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2009, 06:09:37 AM »
Good write-up, bikebitzofvt.  Only thing I'd add is that after tightening the bearings to the "seating torque" I like to turn the front end back and forth from stop to stop, retorque, and repeat, this helps in seating the bearings and also ensures that the bearings are nice and square to each other.  Then loosen and torque to factory spec.


I'll never re-install the stock steering bearings in 750, installing tapered bearings is actually easier than installing the stock setup, they are easier to maintain, and last longer :)

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Online bryanj

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2009, 06:11:41 AM »
Also NEVER fit odd new balls its a full new set or the full old set
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Offline Zaipai

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2009, 06:22:43 AM »
Awesome write up bikebitzofvt I saved it for later this winter when I will be doing work on my bike like this..
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Offline luder

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2009, 11:43:45 AM »
I bought a bag of 100 if you need some I would be glad to send some your way...luder

Offline bikebitzofvt

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #13 on: July 12, 2009, 03:27:06 PM »
Also NEVER fit odd new balls its a full new set or the full old set

Just FYI, the hardened bearings almost never wear, it's the races.  I swept a few up from under my workbench - I'd been shooting 'em around the garage with a blowgun one day, trying to get a mouse, some of these had been shot at a concrete wall  ;D there's some from likely 4 or 5 different bikes all with various mileage.  I cleaned them up and measured a bunch of them with my digital micrometer and every one was the same size, .2495".  I pullled some NOS suzuki bearings from the package (spares for my TM250) and had the same measurement...  The races are a much softer material and usually where the damage is.

Good point about moving the clamps around mystic - that's something I also do but forgot to put in there.

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Offline checkflag

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Re: I'm missing two balls...
« Reply #14 on: July 12, 2009, 04:11:26 PM »
personally, I'd see a DR. but thats just me  ::)
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