Steering bearings. Should I try that....?

[Redman]

Inplace.
Also showing original bearing halfs.


Am so glad to be this far.
All the vidios say that the bearing on the stem is the hardest part.

I started to tap the race into the upper steering neck, and it started to go crooked . . . so... whoaaa.... project on hold for a bit, untill I look into this some more.


.

[GSXR7ED]

Good info.

The video makes it look easy when you have the correct tool.


Ed

[cowboyup3371]

I had luck using a 2x4 on top of the race to tap it down

[bwringer]

On a GS, I've never had much luck catching the edge of the lower race, even with a "bent chisel" sort of tool or any of the commercial "bearing puller" tools (none of these contraptions I've tried actually, you know, frickin' work). I just go straight for the Dremel now on steel frames. On modern bikes with aluminum frames, there's usually a slot cast into the bearing seat area that makes this easy.

To install, I use a set of tapered aluminum bearing and seal drivers from Harbor Freight. The aluminum discs can't damage the hardened steel of the races:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-63261.html

These things are ridiculously handy. Grab a 20% off coupon from the nearest mailbox or magazine and get you a set.

To get the races started, use two of the discs with a length of threaded rod and some nuts and washers. You probably won't be able to draw them into place all the way like this, but you can get them started straight and seat them by hammering.

I also have a large copper hammer I inherited that is just the ticket for bashing bearing races into place without damage. Not a common item in most garages.

[Baatfam]

I also have a large copper hammer I inherited that is just the ticket for bashing bearing races into place without damage. Not a common item in most garages.

I love my soft metal hammers...

Left to right:
4 lb lead sledge hammer I bought in 1973 for the knockoffs on my 1960 Austin Healey 3000 - don't have the car anymore, but love the hammer for all sorts of things
1 lb brass hammer purchased in 1974 when I worked at a Lotus dealership - I use this one all the time
5 oz bronze hammer that I made in 1980 or so, when I worked at a place with a machine shop I could use - Very, very handy little hammer

[Redman]

On a GS, I've never had much luck catching the edge of the lower race, even with a "bent chisel" sort of tool or any of the commercial "bearing puller" tools (none of these contraptions I've tried actually, you know, frickin' work). I just go straight for the Dremel now on steel frames. On modern bikes with aluminum frames, there's usually a slot cast into the bearing seat area that makes this easy.

To install, I use a set of tapered aluminum bearing and seal drivers from Harbor Freight. The aluminum discs can't damage the hardened steel of the races:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-63261.html

These things are ridiculously handy. Grab a 20% off coupon from the nearest mailbox or magazine and get you a set.

To get the races started, use two of the discs with a length of threaded rod and some nuts and washers. You probably won't be able to draw them into place all the way like this, but you can get them started straight and seat them by hammering.

I also have a large copper hammer I inherited that is just the ticket for bashing bearing races into place without damage. Not a common item in most garages.

Looks like a good thing to have.

[Redman]

I love my soft metal hammers...
.
.

And I thought I was doing good to have a rubber mallet. ... .... ...

[Redman]

Update:
GOt the bearing races installed and the clamps and handlebars all reinstalled.

THanks everyone for your responce.

And thanks again Norm.

Have someother things to do before is back out on the road.

[Redman]

But, but, but, how will I know when have the front end back to center, now that dont have that detent. har har har

.

[Redman]

Back from first ride after the steerring bearing replacement.

Oh, Man! Should have done that long time ago.
Man, so much better going into a curve, and comming out of a curve.

...