replacing steering hd bearings

[debby]

Time for new steering head bearings. The old ones are quite notchy and the bike has a case of the wiggles. So I ordered a roller bearing kit from Dennis Kirk.

Was looking in my Clymer manual and they say don't try this at home. "Special tools and expertise are required" they advise. But from the posts I've seen here it sounds like lots of you have successfully done the job. Is this something an average backyard mechanic can do herself or should I take the bike, the new bearings, and a blank check to my local dealer? The bike is a 77 GS550.

Any and all advice appreciated!

Debby

[SqDancerLynn1]

Its not that dificult, Your bike probably has the old style ball brgs--- to be replaced by tapered brgs The dificult part is getting the old brg races out It can be done with a hammer (5 lb) and punch. No wimpy carpenter hamers! Use the old brg race to drive the new one in (after grinding the outer surface for a slip fit) You can adjust it by feel-- tighten it up until the wheel will stay where ever you put it then loosen it up until it will fall to either side under its own weight

[debby]

Well, I do have a BFH...

was thinking I could press the new races in with some threaded rod and nuts/big washers. How about the steering stem? Is it hard to get the old race off and the new bearing on? Some manuals I have for other old bikes talk about using a cold chisel to drive the old race off and a piece of pipe to pound (oops I mean drive ) the new one on?

debby

[SqDancerLynn1]

Sounds like you have it covered 8) A piece of water pipe that will fit over the stem would work It would be easier to press the brg races in using the old races to drive them in I don't think the washers will work, they will just bend

[SqDancerLynn1]

Sounds like you have it covered 8) A piece of water pipe that will fit over the stem would work It would be easier to press the brg races in using the old races to drive them in I don't think the washers will work, they will just bend