Removal and Installation of Lower Steering Bearing

[Mzee]

I decided to service my steering bearings yesterday. It was relatively straight forward except for removing and installing stem bearings. Not being a mechanic in the trade, it took me a while to figure out what to do. Although I finally replaced them old bearings, it was quite a task.

Are there special tools for this kind of job? Thank you.

 

[steve68steve]

After breaking every little bit off the edge of the bearing with different chisels, I gave up and had a buddy machine it off.

After a few passes, the inner race got down to a few thou thick - then I heard a distinct "ping!". That sound was a hairline crack forming, at which point the inner race just fell off.

Point: that inner race is on there TIGHT. My theory is that the same press that presses the machined stem into the lower triple casting is used to press that lower bearing on.

 

[Karl]

Yes, the inner race of the lower bearing is a press fit. I cut as much as I can with a dremmel and then split it with a wedge/chisel. Usually works OK. Then you really need a hydraulic press to get the new one on.

 

[Mzee]

Has a similar thread been discussed here.

The removal seems much easier then the installation, which is what I am most interested in. This is what I found in my search. https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0544