Need some quick steering stem advice...

[hikermikem]

I've disassembled the steering stem on my 1100EX. The top & bottom bearings came off, but I'm a little confused with the bottom part.

Does the race come off with the bottom bearing? Or does that part stay on the shaft?? I don't want to force it off, but it appears to be just pushed on, although it's stuck pretty well.

I've got new ones on order, but I don't want to force (read ruin) anything at thgis point.

Thanks ,

Mike

[DanTheMan]

The bottom race is a press fit. If you're installing a new one, just dremel cut the old one, then use a cold chisel and hammer, give it a rap, it'll split and you can pull it right off. If you heat the new one in a deep fat fryer at max, it'll slide right on with minimal force required to seat it.

[hikermikem]

The bottom race is a press fit. If you're installing a new one, just dremel cut the old one, then use a cold chisel and hammer, give it a rap, it'll split and you can pull it right off. If you heat the new one in a deep fat fryer at max, it'll slide right on with minimal force required to seat it.

I ordered a new set fron All Balls, do I need to remove the bottom race??

Let me go take a picture...

[hikermikem]

OK, here's what I'm asking about, am I supposed to remove that puppy?

[TheCafeKid]

The race is actually up inside the steering mast. You might have to get on your hands and knees to see it but yes the race WE are talking about must come out as usually this is what get detented and damaged not the rollers. What you've got there is what appears to be what the rollers sat in? If so that goes as well. I'd have to look at a stem but I don't remember that being part of one.

[duaneage]

To remove the lower pressed bearing use a tool designed to remove the bearing. I would caution against using a dremel since it is easy to slip and damage the triple tree.

Honestly, take it to a shop and have them do it for you. Takes a few minutes and shouldn't cost much.

There is much glory in doing the work yourself but a lot of sense in having someone with the right tools help you out. This is a critical item and it needs to be done right.

[hikermikem]

Thanks for the responses guys... I've never before been inside a steering stem & don't really know how much of it is supposed to be replaced. I have a replacement set on order, so I'll wait to see what comes with that, honestly, the lower race looks good so maybe I can just keep it?

The top race (as TCK indicated) looks easy enough to push out with a long rod.

How I got here in the first place:

I have the front forks torn down to replace a leaking seal. Well, I can tell you I'm the first human to see the insides of these forks since 1980 when the bike was assembled. Not a pretty sight... dampener assy dried out and the fork oil that's left is NASTY - black & smells funky.

So while the triple tree is just hanging there (fork-less) I rotate it left & right and feel a very distinct "ratcheting" vibration, kinda like, "chunka, chunka, chunka...". That's what led to ordering new steering head bearings.

Thanks again for the help

[SqDancerLynn1]

The races in the steering head can be a B to get out... On the lower brg the race is pressed into the frame and the bearing is pressed onto the stem. Use a 5 lb hammer to drive it out

[doctorgonzo]

You don't want to replace the bearings and not the race. Either cut it out with a dremel or take to a shop that can press it out. I cut mine out.

[derwood]

That is the inner race and comes as part of the bearing, It comes off.
So does the outer race, It is in the stem on the frame. If you can get a mig welder, even a 110 volt, they make excellent heaters for that kind of stuff, just weld a bead onto the races and they practically fall out/off.

[duaneage]

I pulled the lower race with a slide hammer and a hook attachment. Took 3 seconds. The top I drove out with a 1 inch copper pipe.

[bonanzadave]

Yep, get it off. I took mine into a Yamaha quad shop. It appears the guy had to beat on it just like I tried. I paid him $20. I set the new All Balls bearing on with a pipe that was just the right size. Grease the new bearing up well. Put the stem in the freezer over night before you set the new bearing.

[duaneage]

use a copper pipe , it's soft and will prevent damage to the races.

That's a bicycle tip for ya

[hikermikem]

Thanks again guys. That's what I like about this place:

"... advice from people who have actually performed the work - PRICELESS"

Looks like I have little project (and learning experience) ahead of me!

I think I'll see if the local Suzuki shop can get that lower race off the stem for a reasonable price.

[bonanzadave]

Fyi