Source Of High Quality Steering Head Bearings?

[Skowinski]

Apologies if this is already discussed somewhere, couldn't find anything with a search.

Looking to replace the bearings on my 79 GS1000, and would rather find something better than the All Balls kits, which I suspect are made-in-China stuff. I recently did the steering head bearings on an Aprilia Pegaso, and managed to find information on Timkin bearing part numbers, worked perfectly and were relatively cheap at the local auto parts store (I think cheaper than the All Balls kit...).

Wondering if anyone has numbers for Timkin or other quality bearings for a GS1000?

Thanks!

 

[tkent02]

You have a local bearing supply place?

 

[Skowinski]

Yes, there is a place in town called Aztec Industrial Bearing And Supply.

 

[rudeman]

If you could get the bearing numbers from the cage and races and go to Auto Zone or O'Rielly's, they could get them for you. I've bought Timken bearings from both stores. Here is an interchange guide.

 

[Nessism]

The All Ball's kits are decent enough. It's not worth the hassle trying to find something better, particularly when they may not fit. Plus the All Ball's kits come with new seals.

 

[Fjbj40]

The all ball kits work great. But if you source bearings locally you need the seal, Suzuki p/n 51644-12c00. It is for a gsxr but it fits perfectly.

 

[Grimly]

Apologies if this is already discussed somewhere, couldn't find anything with a search.

Looking to replace the bearings on my 79 GS1000, and would rather find something better than the All Balls kits, which I suspect are made-in-China stuff. I recently did the steering head bearings on an Aprilia Pegaso, and managed to find information on Timkin bearing part numbers, worked perfectly and were relatively cheap at the local auto parts store (I think cheaper than the All Balls kit...).

Wondering if anyone has numbers for Timkin or other quality bearings for a GS1000?

Thanks!

Good move. The All Balls stuff is ok if you're selling the bike, but is nothing more than cheap generic Chinese middle of the road quality. Not rubbish, but not high quality, either. For the same money you can find better.
I'd have a look at the listings on dotheton.com
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=20951.0

 

[Nessism]

According to the factory service manual...

Lower bearing: 30X55X17
Upper bearing: 25X47X15

 

[Skowinski]

Perfect! Thanks!!!

 

[Skowinski]

In case anyone is interested, it looks like these are the Timkin bearing part numbers for a GS1000:

Lower:
Timken Part Number X32006X - Y32006X

Upper:
Timken Part Number XAA32005X - YAA32005X

 

[hillsy]

In case anyone is interested, it looks like these are the Timkin bearing part numbers for a GS1000:

Lower:
Timken Part Number X32006X - Y32006X

Upper:
Timken Part Number XAA32005X - YAA32005X

Do they list a seal as well? That's the thing about the All Balls or Pyramid kits - you get a new seal.

 

[Skowinski]

Timkin just sells the bearings. Actually, I got the last ones from an auto parts store nearby, not sure you can buy direct from Timkin. If I need the dust seal I can just get that from Suzuki.

edit: have them ordered from a local bearing supply place, looks like they will be about a 30% savings over what the OEM bearings are... or the all balls kit.

 

[one_civic]

Honestly, If they are the original stem bearings, (which they may most likely be) OEM or All Balls kit is more than enough. If you can find the Timken and they are cheaper, I would go that route.
You will notice how nice new stem bearings feel when riding though

 

[Nessism]

There is nothing wrong with sourcing high grade bearings for the steering stem. Might be overkill is all. All the tapered roller steering stem bearings failures I've seen have been caused by poor lubrication, not from indenting like we see from loose ball steering stem bearings. Keeping water out of the bearings and lubing them every so often should have the bearings lasting the life of the bike, easily.

 

[tkent02]

A couple extra bucks to never have to think about it again is money well spent. Actually it's cheaper than the Suzuki bearing. I hate worn steering head bearings and the way the bike rides with them.

 

[Grimly]

Do you think these needed changing?

They lasted a LONG time though, and it was the rough back roads around here that finally spelled doom for them.

 

[Skowinski]

Hard to tell from a photo, but does look like wear where the rollers usually sit. If you run your fingernail around the surface is there any uneveness you can feel?

In my experience once there is significant wear you notice it riding the bike, the steering feels notchy like it wants to stick a little in the straight ahead position (I assume that's where the most wear is).

 

[Nessism]

Do you think these needed changing?
View attachment 44237
They lasted a LONG time though, and it was the rough back roads around here that finally spelled doom for them.

Naw, those marks will buff right out. Lots of life left in them.

 

[Grimly]

Hard to tell from a photo, but does look like wear where the rollers usually sit. If you run your fingernail around the surface is there any uneveness you can feel?
In my experience once there is significant wear you notice it riding the bike, the steering feels notchy like it wants to stick a little in the straight ahead position (I assume that's where the most wear is).

Heh. They're like the surface of the Moon. The bike certainly didn't like corners much with those in.

Naw, those marks will buff right out. Lots of life left in them.

A quick buzz with a Dremel will sort them, I'm sure.
Honestly, there are long sections of road around here that are more pothole / bad repair than smooth tarmac. The natural bike for riding most of the small roads is a trailie with supple suspension.