Dead blow hammers have their place, but sometimes a good steel hammer works better.Has anyone had issues removing the outer races (sleeve, not the part with the bearings)? I just tried using a 45oz dead blow hammer, and it's not budging
Steering head bearing replacement
- Thread starter RCinNC
- Start date
A quick run to Harbor Freight to pick up a better mallet, and, just like everyone said, the outer races tapped out like magic. I also dropped the lower triple clamp off at the Yamaha dealer to have the lower bearing removed and the new one installed. Life is good.
Ugh, I got everything put back together, and it looks like I forgot to install the washer between the upper bearing and the dust cover? Here is my question, should there be two washers between #17 and #15 in the diagram below?
I had this very thin washer directly on top of the upper bearing (#17):
However, after I put everything back together, I had this thicker washer left over. It is similar in size to the rubber washer #11 in the diagram.
I had this very thin washer directly on top of the upper bearing (#17):
However, after I put everything back together, I had this thicker washer left over. It is similar in size to the rubber washer #11 in the diagram.
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
If I had to guess, without tearing my own steering head apart, I'd say that the steel washer goes on top the bearing and under the upper bearing cover (#14 in the diagram).
If I recall, the bearing came with a very thin washer that sits on top the bearing. I don't think that's the washer that they're referring to in the diagram; I think it's the one you have left over.
If I recall, the bearing came with a very thin washer that sits on top the bearing. I don't think that's the washer that they're referring to in the diagram; I think it's the one you have left over.
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
Well, if you feel dumb, then I'm gonna join you in the corner in my dunce cap. I did the same thing the very first time I serviced my headset. I forget which part I left out of the reassembly (maybe it was the rubber washer), but I had a part left over when I was done and had to take it apart again.
I tore everything apart to install the mystery washer, only to discover that the washer's ID was too small to fit below the dust shield . After going back through all of my pictures, I think this is another artifact of the prior owner's dubious work. He had the washer between the upper bracket and the steering stem nut.
In other news, OMG, what an improvement to my steering! It feels like a new bike; the front end is so much lighter and more precise. 5-Stars, highly recommended. Do not put off the maintenance of your steering head bearings!
. After going back through all of my pictures, I think this is another artifact of the prior owner's dubious work. He had the washer between the upper bracket and the steering stem nut.In other news, OMG, what an improvement to my steering! It feels like a new bike; the front end is so much lighter and more precise. 5-Stars, highly recommended. Do not put off the maintenance of your steering head bearings!
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
I almost want to go tear my steering head apart just to see how it went together, because I'm almost sure there's a metal washer in there somewhere like the one in your photo. Maybe my mind is going.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
I use a TIG welder and apply a few beads of weld to the race. When the weld cools, the race falls off. MIG (wire feed) weld would do the same if you can protect areas from sparks.Has anyone had issues removing the outer races (sleeve, not the part with the bearings)? I just tried using a 45oz dead blow hammer, and it's not budging