Changing Steering Head Bearings

[cowboyup3371]

So after searching I think I understand how to get the actual steering head bearings out - essentially using a Dremel to cut through the race and then some kind of a punch or something to knock out the old bearings.

But, are the following steps the process I would use to do so?

• Brace and lift front of the bike
• Remove forks - I'd be changing out the springs and seals too
• Remove the triple clamps?
• Knock out bearings?
• Install new ones - getting them from Z1 so do I need to grease them?
• Insert forks, wheel and lower front end?

What am I missing? How much time should I give myself for all of it seeing as how this is my first time? Are there any other tools I need to buy to do this? I'd hope not as I want to get my front end done before Brown County.

Thanks all

 

[hampshirehog]

You have it described to a tee. Apart from sometimes you have to beat the hell out of the old bearings to shift them.

 

[Ranger]

You can build a press to press them in. Park tools makes one for bicycles but I've made one out of wood and a bolt between each piece to tighten down and press them in. Whenever I use grease I use the white axle grease from napa with zero problems.

Shouldn't take more than 45 min if its your first time if you pay extreme attention to detail to dissassemble everything excluding the forks for seals. I would recommend using steel wool inside the head tube before installing the new bearings. Keep note of the alignment of the race.

All the steps you listed are what I would do except I would install the bearings before even working on my forks.

Good luck, its really not hard but give yourself 2 hours incase something happens you don't know how to handle.

This is the tool http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=33747 it will cost $5 to make.

 

[cowboyup3371]

You can build a press to press them in. Park tools makes one for bicycles but I've made one out of wood and a bolt between each piece to tighten down and press them in. Whenever I use grease I use the white axle grease from napa with zero problems.

Shouldn't take more than 45 min if its your first time if you pay extreme attention to detail to dissassemble everything excluding the forks for seals. I would recommend using steel wool inside the head tube before installing the new bearings. Keep note of the alignment of the race.

All the steps you listed are what I would do except I would install the bearings before even working on my forks.

Good luck, its really not hard but give yourself 2 hours incase something happens you don't know how to handle.

This is the tool http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=33747 it will cost $5 to make.

So I will have to grease the new ones? I just remember not having to grease the wheel bearings that I installed a couple weeks ago.

Why would I want to do the bearings before doing the forks?

 

[DanTheMan]

The fork bearings are tapered roller bearings similar to front wheel bearings on a rear wheel drive car. They come without grease so they have to be greased.

 

[Ranger]

What Dan said, some places have grease on bearings already but its always better to put your own on. I take a finger and pull out enough to generously coat the inside and outside of the bearings and also lightly coat the steering stem as well.

You don't have to do the bearings before the forks, its just something I do. I like to get everything easy done first then come back to the more detailed things so I know I haven't forgot anything prior to reinstalling everything but also so once the forks are done you can just go right into assembly.

 

[Big T]

My machinist didn't press the lower one on.

He used a halogen lamp, turned the head over and put the bearing on it to heat up

He would measure the bearing ID every few minutes, when it was large enough he dropped it right into place.

 

[Guest]

I put the bearing in the oven at around 150 degrees for a few minutes and put the shaft in the freezer. Not exactly drop in but it had to be easier than not doing it this way.

 

[cowboyup3371]

I'm lost Octain. Based on the fiche pictures I didn't see a shaft. Am I missing something?

Edit: Never mind. Do you mean part number 3 here?

 

[Guest]

Yup....
I dont know what its called. But yeah.

 

[Chris Bohane]

Bearings

Bearings

This may be of help. It lists all bikes that have the same bearing sizes, usefull if you are considering a front end swop as well!

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=20951.0

Regards to all.
Bozza

 

[Johno]

bottom steering head bearing

bottom steering head bearing

The bottom steering head bearing presses onto the bottom of the triple tree.

Mine was tapped on with a rectangular punch - hitting opposing sides alternatively so that it slipped on evenly.

 

[Johno]

prepare the shaft

prepare the shaft

Make sure that you smooth off the shaft by sanding it with 380 the 800 grit.

When dismantling the front end take lots of pictures so that you know where the cables go and tag your electrical connections.

 

[Johno]

My thread on steering head bearings

My thread on steering head bearings

Here's my thread on replacing my steering head bearings.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=173949

 

[cowboyup3371]

Thanks Johno, I must have missed your thread. I appreciate it.

 

[1948man]

http://www.z1enterprises.com/Steering-bearing-SSK400-30x48x14-30x52x17-216.aspx

All I find at Z1 are swingarm bearings and the one set of steering head bearings linked above that seem to be for Kawa's. Will they also fit my GL? If not, does anyone have any favorite place to get the right bearings that is cheaper than OEM or is it best to stick with OEM?

 

[Johno]

1948man,

Your steering head bearings should be easily available from your local bearing supplier. I just walked in off the street and they had them in stock.

Many bikes use the same bearings.

Check your parts manual but most GS Suzuki's use the following:

1 X Tapered roller bearing 32005X (top of stem, no rubber seal)
25mm x 47mm x 15mm
1 X Tapered roller bearing 32006RS (bottom of stem, rubber seal one side)
55mm x 30mm x 17mm

Your parts manual or parts diagrams from various websites may confirm the size required as the OEM part will probably have the dimensions incorporated in the part number.

The bearing supplier may also have your bikes details as the bearings used are common sizes.

Also check the link in Chris's post at the top of this page.

 

[1948man]

Thanks Johno. I will print your reply and keep the #'s when I go to the supplier. Helpful GSR member comes to the rescue again.