Steering Head Race removal tool

[posplayr]

Will_GSX

Will_GSX

Sounds like that would work. I would have to probably buy the nuts, I just happened to grab the biggest bolt I could find in by box of bits, but would have been hard pressed to find matching nuts.

Anyway that sounds like a very good plan. A thick washer would likely not bend as it doesn't take a whole lot of tapping force to get it out.

Thanks for the idea: Got a pic?

Posplayr

 

[kichigai]

I appreciate tips on the creation of special tools. I on my way to the garage now to pull my lower bearing. Would be helpful too to know how you guys get the brearing and out of the stem too! Thanks Kich

 

[Will_GSX]

I appreciate tips on the creation of special tools. I on my way to the garage now to pull my lower bearing. Would be helpful too to know how you guys get the brearing and out of the stem too! Thanks Kich

I don't know of any secrets here.
Put it in the vice and GENTLY tap a flat headed screwdriver under the bottom of the bearing working your way around so it lifts evenly. A bit of heat might help but normally sets fire to the bearing grease and destroys any chance of re-using the lower rubber cover ( on some models) so it's more trouble than it's worth. Sometimes it's better to break the rollers and cage off first so you are just left with the inner race. In desperate circumstances I have GENTLY ground a thin spot on one side of the race to give it a weak point where it can break or stretch off but you need to be careful you don't go right through and mark the stem. The resulting rough spot could make future bearing fitments very difficult indeed as the bearing will jam on it causing distortion form the downward pressure and possible ruining it.

 

[terbang]

Speaking of different ways to skin a cat... Another method (that I've used a few times now) that works well - Get a hold of a 'stick' type arc welder, and some general welding rods. Run a bead of weld around the inside of the bearing race that you want to remove (ALL the way!), being careful NOT to weld the race to the frame - let it cool, and if it doesn't just drop out of it's own accord, the weld will give you something to get the end of a drift/punch to catch on, and a couple of taps, and the race will drop out! Note that you shouldn't leave it untill it's cold - just till it's cooled down a bit.

Be aware that you need to remove all traces of grease from the area first!

Thats the way I do it, works fine.

 

[kichigai]

Will_gsx,

I took your advice and welded a bead on the bearing race then took a long screwdriver with a bent tip and tapped on the bead while still warm. Wala, it came out!

The inner bearing race on the stem came out too by cutting a diagonal line with a high speed grinder and a cutting wheel. Then I used a chisel and worked the race off of the stem.It was a pain in the butt but it worked.

 

[posplayr]

yet another tool


http://www.1100katana.com/technical/wheels/steering_head_bearing_puller.html

 

[ukilme]

Well, now I see this thread after my battle with my lower race

Anyways, great ideas.

 

[portdave]

Hey Jim,

Nice. Last time I did it, (when you helped with all your advice. Thank you very much.) I used a old railroad spike. I have a few of them around of different sizes and since they are super strong and wide they caught the edge at the bottom nicely. Not sure if they would work with other apps but did well for the 1100E triple. I also used some all thread, large washers and nuts to put the new races back in. Worked great.

 

[posplayr]

Hey Jim,

Nice. Last time I did it, (when you helped with all your advice. Thank you very much.) I used a old railroad spike. I have a few of them around of different sizes and since they are super strong and wide they caught the edge at the bottom nicely. Not sure if they would work with other apps but did well for the 1100E triple. I also used some all thread, large washers and nuts to put the new races back in. Worked great.

Dave,
Glad it all worked out. Knocking out the race seems so simple now. The start of this thread seems so long ago as well.
Jim