steering head bearing removal

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trix
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steering head bearing removal

#1 Post by trix » Fri May 11, 2018 7:03 pm

Any tips on removing the bearing cup from the bottom of the steering head in the frame? The top one is relatively easy as its possible to get a drift onto the back of the cup because it protrudes. The lower one is kind of flush with the inside of the stem...

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Speed Freak
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#2 Post by Speed Freak » Sat May 12, 2018 2:33 am

Take a piece of flat steel, cut it that it fits into the bearing (as deep as possible) and spot weld it (1 small spot on each side is enough)
Protect the rest of the frame from welding ?spatter? (is it the right word?)

Now you can remove the bearing.
My bikes:
RD500 YPVS 1GE
RD350 YPVS 31K 1985
Honda CBR 1000 RR SC57
Yamaha R1 RN04

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Smoker
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#3 Post by Smoker » Sat May 12, 2018 5:36 am

Try a tool like this.

Slide it in and a couple of taps with a hammer and done.

Image

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Speed Freak
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#4 Post by Speed Freak » Sat May 12, 2018 3:26 pm

@Smoker: RZV frame?

The RD/RZ steel frame is different, you can`t use this tool as the frame inner diameter is smaller than the bearing.
Stupid design...
My bikes:
RD500 YPVS 1GE
RD350 YPVS 31K 1985
Honda CBR 1000 RR SC57
Yamaha R1 RN04

trix
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#5 Post by trix » Sat May 12, 2018 5:21 pm

..i tried speedfreak's suggestion and it worked ok. Not pretty but it was difficult to weld to the cup

while i had them out i ground out some notches to make it easier next time!!

thanks guys


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Smoker
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#6 Post by Smoker » Sun May 13, 2018 12:27 pm

Speed Freak wrote:@Smoker: RZV frame?

The RD/RZ steel frame is different, you can`t use this tool as the frame inner diameter is smaller than the bearing.
Stupid design...
Yes, I changed the races in my RZV frame. Have not tried the RZ frame.

I can see what you mean by looking at the above photo. I wonder what the service manual says?

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Speed Freak
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Re: steering head bearing removal

#7 Post by Speed Freak » Sun May 13, 2018 3:30 pm

"Pitting/damage => replace" :mrgreen:

No word about how to do it.
My bikes:
RD500 YPVS 1GE
RD350 YPVS 31K 1985
Honda CBR 1000 RR SC57
Yamaha R1 RN04

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