Inspection
1. Clean the upper and lower bearings in a bearing
degreaser. Thoroughly dry both bearings with com-
pressed air. Make sure all solvent is removed from
the lower bearing installed on the steering stem
(
Figure 52
).
2. Wipe the old grease from the outer races located
in the steering head (
Figure 55
), then clean the
outer races with a rag soaked in solvent. Thor-
oughly dry the races with a lint-free cloth. Check
the races for pitting, galling and corrosion. If any of
these conditions exist, replace the races as de-
scribed in this chapter.
3. If any race is worn or damaged, replace the race
and bearing as an assembly as described in this
chapter.
4. Check the welds around the steering head for
cracks and fractures. If there is any damage, have
the frame repaired at a competent frame or welding
shop.
5. Check the bearings for pitting, scratches or dis-
coloration indicating wear or corrosion. Replace the
bearing if any ball is less than perfect.
6. If the bearings are in good condition, pack them
thoroughly with grease. To pack the bearings,
spread some grease in the palm of your hand and
scrape the open side of the bearing cage across your
palm until the bearing is completely full of grease.
7. Thoroughly clean all mounting parts in solvent.
Dry them completely.
8. Inspect the ring nuts and washer for wear or
damage. Inspect the nut threads. If necessary, clean
them with an appropriate size metric tap or replace
the nut(s). If the threads are damaged, inspect the
appropriate steering stem thread(s) for damage. If
necessary, clean the threads with an appropriate size
metric die.
9. Check the underside of the steering head nut for
damage. Replace the nut as necessary.
10. Inspect the steering stem and the lower fork
bridge for cracks or other damage. Make sure the
fork bridge clamping areas are free of burrs and the
bolt holes are in good condition.
11. Inspect the upper fork bridge for cracks or
other damage. Check both the upper and lower sur-
face of the fork bridge. Make sure the fork bridge
clamping areas are free of burrs and the bolt holes
are in good condition.
STEERING HEAD BEARING RACES
The upper and lower bearing outer races must not
be removed unless they are going to be replaced.
These races are pressed into place and are damaged
during removal. If removed, replace the outer races,
the inner races, and the bearings as a set. Never re-
use an outer race that has been removed. It is no lon-
ger true and will damage the bearings if reused.
1. Chill new bearing races overnight in a freezer to
shrink the outside diameter.
2. Remove the steering stem as described in this
chapter.
3. Insert a brass or aluminum drift into the steering
head and carefully tap the lower race out from the
steering head (
Figure 56
). Repeat this procedure
for the upper race.
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
327
11
55
56
