Steering Stem bearings

johnb · 03-31-2013, 01:36 PM

I think I need to replace the steering stem bearings on my 2006 Nomad as well as change the oil in the Forks. Tearing down the fork doesn't seem that difficult and removing the steering stem bearing races appears pretty straight forward. The concern I have is installing the bearing races. What can I use to install the races and bearings without breaking the bank.

Is this something that I should attempt to do myself? I have no mechanical training, however I did do the swing arm/shaft drive lubrication by myself using Gadgets fine instructions.

My concern is putting everything back together properly. If I can get the bearings on I can definitely put the stem back together. I putting the fork back together straight forward?

**ringadingh** · 03-31-2013, 01:57 PM

I tap pped my races back in with a flat round punch. Just work your war around and seat them evenly. You should have no problems. They go in easier than they come out.

VulcanE · 03-31-2013, 02:25 PM

Like Steve said, you can use a punch to seat the races, I would suggest something soft like an aluminum, brass, or cold rolled steel rod, and make sue to go evenly, and bottom it out onto the seats. I made a race seating tool that seats both at the same time. Changing the fork oil is not hard, just take your time and pay attention to how everything comes apart. One other suggestion........ to get the lower bearing off the stem, use a cold chisel and place it going straight into the stem, with the tip between the bearing and seat, and give it a quick wrap with a hammer, and it will pop the bearing right off.

cactusjack · 03-31-2013, 03:58 PM

Put the races that go in the steering head in the freezer to get them good and cold. The metal will contract and make them easier to install.

johnb · 03-31-2013, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the quick reply.
VulcanE, how did you make the tool to seat the races?
I was just worried about seating the races properly.
So...as long as I am careful and put things back correctly, this is not difficult.
I'll do it with the same approach I used when I did the swingarm. I took my time and disassembled and reassembled it slowly.

dshelly · 03-31-2013, 05:05 PM

So why do you think you need new stem bearings?

johnb · 03-31-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dshelly

So why do you think you need new stem bearings?

There is a "flat spot" as you turn the wheel past "straight ahead". Making slow speed turns you can feel it. It feels like a "bump".

recumbentbob · 04-01-2013, 06:40 AM

Tool = Allthread and a nut and large washer on each end. cheap tool for steering head bearings.

Run it thru the steering head and put the washer over the bearing and tighten the nut and it seats.

lonewolf · 04-01-2013, 01:09 PM

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/718...bearing-races/[/QUOTE]

A homemade tool that was used and discussed in a previous VB thread

lonewolf · 04-01-2013, 01:17 PM

Sin City Stan · 04-01-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf

That's pretty slick.

VulcanE · 04-01-2013, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnb

Thanks for the quick reply.
VulcanE, how did you make the tool to seat the races?
I was just worried about seating the races properly.

Here's a photo of the tool I made. It is 2 pieces of D2 steel hardened to 60Rc and machined to .005" smaller than the OD of the races, with a 3/8-16 threaded rod between them. After you get the races to set on the seats, you continue to tighten to reach 90 ft lbs, this is the correct way to seat the races according to Kawasaki. I chose this set up because I didn't think that washers would stand up to the 90 ft lbs, and I wanted a tool that I could use again if needed. I had the materials, machines, and heat treat capabilities to make it, so I went ahead and done it.

johnb · 04-01-2013, 07:44 PM

VulcanE,
I wish I had half the knowledge and ability that you guys have. That's the type of tool I know you need to do the job right (at least according to the manual).

lonewolf,
Glad to see how to remove the races. I even think that I could make that tool. It's a whole lot cheaper than buying the similar Park tool that I've seen.

That's what is so great about this forum. You're all willing to share your knowledge.

03-31-2013, 01:36 PM	#1
johnb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 271	Steering Stem bearings I think I need to replace the steering stem bearings on my 2006 Nomad as well as change the oil in the Forks. Tearing down the fork doesn't seem that difficult and removing the steering stem bearing races appears pretty straight forward. The concern I have is installing the bearing races. What can I use to install the races and bearings without breaking the bank. Is this something that I should attempt to do myself? I have no mechanical training, however I did do the swing arm/shaft drive lubrication by myself using Gadgets fine instructions. My concern is putting everything back together properly. If I can get the bearings on I can definitely put the stem back together. I putting the fork back together straight forward? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-31-2013, 01:57 PM	#2
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	I tap pped my races back in with a flat round punch. Just work your war around and seat them evenly. You should have no problems. They go in easier than they come out. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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03-31-2013, 02:25 PM	#3
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Like Steve said, you can use a punch to seat the races, I would suggest something soft like an aluminum, brass, or cold rolled steel rod, and make sue to go evenly, and bottom it out onto the seats. I made a race seating tool that seats both at the same time. Changing the fork oil is not hard, just take your time and pay attention to how everything comes apart. One other suggestion........ to get the lower bearing off the stem, use a cold chisel and place it going straight into the stem, with the tip between the bearing and seat, and give it a quick wrap with a hammer, and it will pop the bearing right off. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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03-31-2013, 03:58 PM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Put the races that go in the steering head in the freezer to get them good and cold. The metal will contract and make them easier to install. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-31-2013, 04:00 PM	#5
johnb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 271	Thanks for the quick reply. VulcanE, how did you make the tool to seat the races? I was just worried about seating the races properly. So...as long as I am careful and put things back correctly, this is not difficult. I'll do it with the same approach I used when I did the swingarm. I took my time and disassembled and reassembled it slowly. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-31-2013, 05:05 PM	#6
dshelly Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgrade, MT Posts: 2,824	So why do you think you need new stem bearings? __________________ Dave "(dshelly)" Shellenberger 2014 Harley Ultra Classic 2007 1600 Nomad (Black) Shellenberger Machine Belgrade, MT Various Bagger Member (Harley Chapter) VBA # 2395
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04-01-2013, 06:40 AM	#8
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Tool = Allthread and a nut and large washer on each end. cheap tool for steering head bearings. Run it thru the steering head and put the washer over the bearing and tighten the nut and it seats. __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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04-01-2013, 01:09 PM	#9
lonewolf Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: central mn. Posts: 545	http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/718...bearing-races/[/QUOTE] A homemade tool that was used and discussed in a previous VB thread __________________ Kawanow # 370 2007 red and titanium nomad Darksider
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04-01-2013, 01:17 PM	#10
lonewolf Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: central mn. Posts: 545	__________________ Kawanow # 370 2007 red and titanium nomad Darksider
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04-01-2013, 07:44 PM	#13
johnb Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 271	VulcanE, I wish I had half the knowledge and ability that you guys have. That's the type of tool I know you need to do the job right (at least according to the manual). lonewolf, Glad to see how to remove the races. I even think that I could make that tool. It's a whole lot cheaper than buying the similar Park tool that I've seen. That's what is so great about this forum. You're all willing to share your knowledge.
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