Author Topic: steering bearing install  (Read 1704 times)

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Offline Anti-Johnny

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steering bearing install
« on: December 26, 2010, 03:00:26 PM »
We are going to install the new steering bearing tomorrow. When we took the old one out, there was a rubber gasket on the bottom but not the top, the all balls set came with two. Is there supposed to be one up top?
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Offline jakecb420

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Re: steering bearing install
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2010, 05:32:55 PM »
no, none on the top. i think you use which ever one fits best. i am sure if you search the website, you will find a detailed explanation.
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76 750F project
74 CB450 donor
79 50cc honda express 2 moped
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http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=73724.0

Offline Anti-Johnny

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Re: steering bearing install
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2010, 05:35:13 PM »
i have a step by step, just wanted to make sure whoever made it didnt leave out that there wasnt one up top.
www.southaustinmotorcycles.com
 Come by and wrench and have a cold one while enjoying the wide array of rides and riders in Austin!

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Offline jakecb420

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Re: steering bearing install
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2010, 05:50:58 PM »
understandable. good luck on the rest of the install. tapered bearings are probably the most notable improvement ive made to my bike thus far. enjoy
750K3 daily driver
76 750F project
74 CB450 donor
79 50cc honda express 2 moped
73 cb500-4
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=73724.0

Offline Kong

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Re: steering bearing install
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2010, 05:48:26 AM »
The two seals that come with the All Balls kit are different and both are to be used.  They aren't actually seals, because these are not sealed bearings, they are actually more like 'dust covers'.  The order in which the things should be assembled on the stem are like this.  Thick spacer goes on the stem first, the "seal" goes on second, the bearing goes on next, the bearing's race is already seated in the neck.  Then the stem goes into the neck and on top first there is the bearing's race, which should already be pressed into the neck, then on the stem itself you first place the bearing, then the "seal" and then test fit the thin spacer.  Next screw on the stem's bearing retainer and see if it will screw down far enough to put the top tree back on or not, if not remove the nut to get to and remove the upper spacer, then put the stem nut back on and screw it down very hand tight but do not put a wrench on it.  Now put on your top tree and continue with your assemble of the bike.


So, from top to bottom:

Top tree
Stem nut
Thin spacer
Seal
Bearing
Bearing Retainer

Stem

Bearing Retainer
Bearing
Seal
Thick spacer
Bottom tree

All Ball's seems to suggest, in their very poor instructions, that some stems are shorter than others and that in some cases the upper thin seal will not be required.  They suggest you measure 'the stack' which is a waste of your time.  The most important thing to check is that the steering stop on the bottom of the neck strikes the stops on the lower tree with one or the other spacer installed on the bottom.
2002 FXSTD/I  Softail Deuce
2001 Acura (Honda) CL Type-S
1986 Honda Rebel, 450
1978 Honda CB550K
1977 Honda CB550K