Removing Head Pipe Bearing Races

[SOARSKI]

I've got triple tree removed and ready to send to RB for stem pressing. It seemed to have an adequate amount of grease. The bottom bearing and race looked good. The top bearing showed some rust on one side and the outer race closest to the rider shows signs of wear(marring and pitting).

1. Should the steering stem bearings be replaced in pairs or can get away with just replacing the one that looks bad? Where can I get a replacement bearing, OEM from RonAyers or cheaper aftermarket elsewhere, CBR?

2. How do I remove the outer race from the head pipe without buying kawasaki's special tool. Somewhere in my reading I seem to remember a home built tool out of a short section of pipe with 4 cuts length wise distributed evenly around the circumference. The pipe was flared at the cut end so when the pipe is inserted though the head pipe the flared end is compressed down as it passes through the outer race then expands and seats itself on the lip of the base of the race as it passes though. Then hammer the on the pipe from the opposite end. Doses this work well? What kind of pipe to use? Is it difficult to make? What to use to make the cuts? OR Is there another way to accomplish this task? Does heating the head pipe help install and removal of the race?

BTW I have a steering stem bearing that looks good if you guys think the existing race can still be used. see pic

[Indawoods]

I used a big ol screwdriver to pound the old races out. It was real easy...

I replaced everything when I did my conversion.

[Mr. Wibbens]

I use a drift and a small sledge

[Julien D]

I used a round steel rod and a 2lb sledge. Worked like a charm. I'd go ahead and replace them both.

[KarlP]

That race will come out if you use a long punch and go at it from below. The punch will catch that edge, whack it all the way around, it'll come out.

On the other hand, I'd be tempted to clean up that race and run it......I would not use that bearing, though.

[SOARSKI]

That race will come out if you use a long punch and go at it from below. The punch will catch that edge, whack it all the way around, it'll come out.

On the other hand, I'd be tempted to clean up that race and run it......I would not use that bearing, though.

I was thinking the same thing. Whats the worse that could happen? The race gets more worn and the extra bearing I have may just wear out prematurely. Then I can replace it maybe next year.

[Mr. Wibbens]

Race looks like crapola to me

You have it apart, and it aint the easiest thing to get to, since just about everything on the front end has to be taken apart, so why not do it right and replace both the bearings and the races?

Less than $30 for a head bearing kit

[johnyblaze]

Mr Wibbens - where do you get the steering head bearing set for under $30? I was just ready to buy a set and it was in the mid $30's. Geez, what a cheap SOB I am...

[Mr. Wibbens]

Got it at a local bike shop

[SOARSKI]

I priced just the top bearing and race at RonAyers and it was 24 bones.

I hear a few talk about some bearing not worth installing.

I was trying to avoid 50 bones for both bearing sets as I"m doing the fork conversion, revalving, and sending all my stuff to RB.

Reading this site is costing me way to much money

[scheckaet]

Reading this site is costing me way to much money

Yeah, but think about all the fun you'll have and all the money you'll save on therapy

[barryadam]

Reading this site is costing me way to much money

Think of it this way...

If YOU don't spend it, someone else in your house WILL.

Besides, what could be better than spending money on your bikes, hmm?

[Julien D]

I used these...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki ... 3a57bd2919


No problems so far. Seemed to be fine quality, we'll see how they hold up. Some don't like All Balls, but I've used them in many bikes and never had a problem.

J.

[Mr. Wibbens]

Only person I know that bitches about All Balls aint showing his ugly mug around these parts no more

And I'm pretty sure it was all based on his opinion and not any kind of facts

[chris-1742]

Just replaced mine with "All Balls", was told that three of the top manufacutres of bearing use the same bearing... just with their name and packaging. Mine cost $28.00 plus $10.00 if I wanted old press off and replace with new pressed on.

Cheap when considering the time to pry off the old ( and the potential damage to the lower triple with the chizel at the bearing seat).

I don`t know much, but I would toss the Race and Bearings for new and BelRay grease (waterproof) the new heavy.

Edit: That price was for top AND bottom bearing and Races

[bronco95tgp]

a rail road spike works good to catch a lip on races.. ie "universal farm punch"

[muddertrucker]

That bearing race is finished, you should change it. Find a good quality punch that is long enough to get the race out and use the old race to put it back in. The parts and the right tools will pay for them selves especialy if maintained properly.

Leave that race in place and you'll be changing the bearing again next year.

[Julien D]

Eh, that race looks like it would clean up just fine. A bit of rust left behind by the bearing, but no notching or worn lip that I can see. Clean it up and hit it with some wet dry paper and it'd probably work fine. Would be easier to say with it all cleaned up. I've seen much worse, anyway.

I see no point in re-using it though, since your new bearing will come with a new race. $30 shipped for all balls, just do it!

[SOARSKI]

Reading this site is costing me way to much money

Think of it this way...

If YOU don't spend it, someone else in your house WILL.

Besides, what could be better than spending money on your bikes, hmm?

Hell ya she WILL!

Bearings are on their way along with a few other goodies from MXSouth. It's like Christmas all over again.

[Julien D]

Good deal!