Dirt Rider . Net Text Version Home
Pages: 1
steering stem bearings
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: 88KDX---------------------
Hello all,
I'm about to look at and clean and grease the steering stem bearings. I don't have a stem nut wrench. What can I use instead of this. And is there anything else I should look out for. I've never greased them before.
Thanks
Posted by: Fred T---------------------
YOu can use a set of channel lock pliars to loosen it. When you tighten them back down there is a procedure for tapered bearings -you twist the steering stem as you tighten it and get it nice and tight, then twist it a few times to seat the bearings. Loosen the collar and then only use your fingers and make it finger tight. If you over tighten it you will ruin the bearing quickly. Use a good water proof grease such as bel ray water proof grease.
Posted by: rv6junkie---------------------
The stem nut wrench is a good tool to have. In a pinch you can use a screw driver and small hammer. When you tighten the nut, tighten it just beyond the point of smooth movement, then back it out until it's smooth again.
Posted by: canyncarvr---------------------
Or...you could tighten it in step one of fred's post to the correct spec.
<Insert correct spec here>..which I would if I had my manual at hand or remembered for sure. I recall 26ft/lbs? It's a pretty good tug.
Not having the ability to slap your torque wrench on it (I've not found a socket that fits that spanner nut) makes it a bit difficult. Spring gauges are bogus (sez me). If you don't have an officially sanctioned torque elbow, torque some other nut/bolt to 26ft/lbs, then put your channel locks on it to get a feel for what it takes.
What's important is that the bearing be seated, and that the torque needed to seat it is backed off as indicated in both posts above.
Look at the outer race (it's inside the frame) on the bottom bearing. If you see any marks on it made by the bearing rollers, it's likely no good. If after you clean, regrease the bearings and reassemble the stem you feel ANY 'snick' when you turn from side to side, it's hosed.
If the damage is slight, you can remove the bottom outer race (use a drift from the top..tap side-to-side. I say 'tap' cuz you don't need to beat the hell out of it..but it will take a firm application of force), rotate it 90º and put it back in. If you happen to have an OLD outer race lying around, use that to seat the one you are installing fully in the steering tube. Otherwise use the drift again..being very careful to not goober the edge of the race.
If your bottom bearing is toast you might want to consider having a shop change it. The bearing from kawi is around $35. I just paid $29 for that bearing yesterday from a non-dealer. The 'approved' way to remove it is to press out the stem from the bottom clamp...removing the bearing in the process.
I'd prefer not messing with the stem/clamp fit.
You can use the screwdrivers and pounding method. I cut mine off with an air tool. Install of the new bearing (put your stem in the freezer for an hour or two) is a snap. A length of 1 1/4" pipe (check that diameter) will fit over the stem and easily seat your new bearing with a couple of taps with a 2# sledge.
Whew! Pretty complicated answer to a question you didn't even ask! Hey! I'm not called 'canynclutter' for no reason!! ....I guess.
But then, you DID kinda' ask....
Cheers!
BTW.. a search with the words 'steering stem bearings replace' on this forum will get you the same info...and a couple more tips.
Text Version Home
vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2009,
Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2009
- Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser
