That one (or two) little part can be very important. I dont know if its ever happened but I wouldnt want the steering to lock up. What about all these GSRers in Chicago. Someone must know a loose steering stem when they see one............:-k
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That one (or two) little part can be very important. I dont know if its ever happened but I wouldnt want the steering to lock up. What about all these GSRers in Chicago. Someone must know a loose steering stem when they see one............:-k
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ShirleySerious
Guest
Whodathunk this was gonna be this much of a hassle? Now I don't know what to do. Anyone wanna donate to the save my bike from the scrap heap fund?
How in the world do you think it's been a hassle? the only work that I see you have done is to work yourself up! calm down, it ain't that hard to do...
then do it yourself!
tapered bearings are a good up-grade, but the original ball and races worked for a lot of years and will work just fine as replacements AGAIN.
what will be needed to replace them are basic hand tools, a cold chisel, a long drift (punch) to drive the races out of the steering stem, some different pieces of pipe to drive the race(s) back on the steering stem and back into the steering neck.
do you have basic hand tools or do you have access to them?
are you mechanically inclined, or are you willing to do the work yourself?
do you have a jack and a board (or can you borrow them) so the front end of the motorcycle can be lifted to remove the front wheel, brakes, fender and fork tubes?
do you have torches, or is there a shop around that can heat the bearing race on the steering stem to a dull red (keep the torch directed at steep angle so you don't heat the stem!) and whack it with the cold chisel across the race (like you are cutting it) to "stretch" the diameter of the race it so it can be tapped off the stem with a punch in lieu of the proper tool, then drive (tap) the race back on the stem with a proper size pipe and a hammer?
or just take the stem to the dealer and have them R&R the race.
all you need to hold the balls in place on the race, when re-inserting the stem, is wheel bearing grease.
questions?
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ShirleySerious
Guest
I was capable of doing it myself, until the part about the torches. I do not have one, nor can I use it. Taking the bike to a place that could do it would mean I'd have to take it apart, and I can't ride there with half a bike. Can this be done cold (without a torch?)
Your bike is your only means of transportation?
do you have a bench grinder or a air operated die grinder with a cut-off wheel to grind down the race for removal.
do you have a bench grinder or a air operated die grinder with a cut-off wheel to grind down the race for removal.
Thats where I got stuck. See that previous picture (post #6) of my stem with the lower race stuck on it. I ended up taking it to a local yamadog 4 wheeler shop and he went caveman on it. He got it off and charged me $20. This is the old lower race off the stem and the new All Balls going on. Looks like he chipped up the old race busting it off.
yours has an edge they could get a chisel or punch to catch on so it could be driven off.
Ms. serious, how about a 4" hand held grinder?
Ms. serious, how about a 4" hand held grinder?
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ShirleySerious
Guest
That's Mr. Serious to you!
I have a car, but are you talking about taking the bike into a shop without its front end? I don't have any of that fancy equipment, but I have a dremel tool.
I still have to find another dealership or mechanic to get a second opinion from so I know that the problem is the steering for sure.
I have a car, but are you talking about taking the bike into a shop without its front end? I don't have any of that fancy equipment, but I have a dremel tool.
I still have to find another dealership or mechanic to get a second opinion from so I know that the problem is the steering for sure.
Shirley...That's Mr. Serious to you!
I have a car, but are you talking about taking the bike into a shop without its front end? I don't have any of that fancy equipment, but I have a dremel tool.
I'm talking about just taking the steering stem "alone" for the removal and re-installation of the race.
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hp1000s
Guest
Your dremel tool w/abrasive cut-off wheel on it will do the job nicely on both the inners and outers...I know this 'cause I did it. It's really not a tough job, just a little messy. You'll probably use 6 or 8 of those tiny abrasive wheels as they shatter frequently(eye protection please)but just buy the little cylindrical container of them; I think it holds like 30 of 'em. Do it yourself and "Feel the satisfaction!".
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ShirleySerious
Guest
How would I go about doing this?
