Replacing Steering Bearings - grease question

[MVA-Voyager]

So I'm going to jump off the cliff and do the steering bearing replacement myself with the All-Ballz bearings. First time undertaking, what I consider, major wrenching for myself on the beast (outside of normal oil changes and accessory add-ons). I'm sure I may have a few questions along the way, but I have reviewed a vast number of posts here and in the other forum, and watched a few videos of comparable type bikes for this procedure. So I am feeling confident that, with a few stumbles, I can pull this off with the expert advise found so far.


I do have one question as I wait for the axle nut key socket to come in.... grease.


I have wheel bearing grease on hand (MasterPro High-Temp disc brake and wheel bearing grease from OreillyAuto). Will this be sufficient for the steering bearings? Or should I be using another type?


In addition, will this work for greasing the axle back up when I put the front wheel back on?


Thanks in advance for the advice and for all of the former posts regarding the steering bearings!

[DaPreacha]

I don't know what others use but I have used the heavy red wheel bearing grease on all my vehicle bearings including all my motorcycles I have owned and have never had an issue. And yes, the grease will work for your front axle. You don't need much, just a light coating since the wheel rides on bearings and the axle doesn't spin.

[mbarr10]

IMG_20190603_121555925.jpg

I found these tools to be helpful just to tighten my stem bearings. short allen's to fit in the fairing area for the fork bolts. the thin wall socket for the cover bolt, and the spanner socket to adjust/remove. need to remove the tank to get the correct angle to tighten/torque it at the correct angle or the socket would slip out.
youtube delboys garage, could be a great resource also.

Good luck and safe repairs. If you need a Shop Manual PM me. Just incase you would like a digital copy.

[MVA-Voyager]

I'm waiting on the spanner socket to come in. But don't need that until I put it back together in a few days. I am sure I can get that off with no issues. Should get the hex socket set...that would make it a lot easier in several places.



I've watched a number of videos in addition to reading the applicable posts within this group. We'll see how it turns out



Thanks everyone!

[mbarr10]

Sounds like you are going to be VERY SUCCESSFUL.

At tip from someone that has the spanner socket. Turns out the correct FT LBS will be off, since the book was written with the angled "C" shaped spanner. the torque will be different due to the angle differential. Also The socket needs to be perfectly level? 90 degrees on the tighten or it may slip out. Turns out removal of the tank may be necessary to get the best angle on tightening. Unless you have ratcheted 1/2" torque wrench and then again you will have to go with travel of the wheel to get the best torque. Just something I learned, After I purchased the spanner socket. And actually did the job.

[MVA-Voyager]

my spanning socket actually came in last night, along with the axle nut key! I feel official now. Just call me "Master Screwball Mechanic" - I think I need a sign for the garage now with that! LOL



front wheel is off. 1st hurdle done. Working on getting forks out tonight and dropping the triple tree. Think I'm going to tackle the fork oil changeout too while everything is apart as well. just makes sense

[redjay]

My advice would be to take lots of photos at every stage of the tear down.
They can sometimes come in very handy.

[mbarr10]

Good luck, And Please share your experience. Along with tips for a non Mechanic like myself.

[MVA-Voyager]

RedJay - I am taking photos as I go along - I always rely on those when I do anything to the bike, car, the better half, etc LOL


mbarr10 - I plan on posting my experience once it's all done. will have a tip or 2 to provide that worked for me that I have not seen posted before

[mr500]

As far as grease, when I dove into this on my nomad, I went with Bel-Ray grease.

Good stuff.

[mr500]

This is my post when I did them. You will deff need to grind a relief cut in the frame to get those races out. I did not find any other way to do it.



http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=46459

And another where I got the idea

http://vulcanbagger.com/forums/showt...+stem+bearings

Brng puller if needed. Best one I found and I bought 2 of them lol. This one worked best

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Wheel-Bearing-Remover-Separator-Extractor-Puller-Tool-Honda-Yamaha/401084925924?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_tr ksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[MVA-Voyager]

mr500 - I saw your race pull post a couple of days ago in doing my research. have already taken note to Hammer's tip and will be looking to attempt that tonight. Got everything apart last night, and steering column is out. on to your tip next to get races out

[mr500]

Originally Posted by MVA-Voyager

mr500 - I saw your race pull post a couple of days ago in doing my research. have already taken note to Hammer's tip and will be looking to attempt that tonight. Got everything apart last night, and steering column is out. on to your tip next to get races out

Nice.. Yeah the Dremel tool is your friend. They pop out easy once you get them started.

[mr500]

Hey.. Did you get everything back together???

[MVA-Voyager]

Sorry for the late reply - yes - everything is back together. have pics to post once I have time to put the response all together. Been dealing with extra time at work, a huge car repair bill (damn Ford V6 3.5L engine with water pump INSIDE the engine...bad design) and been taking care of GF the last 3 weeks (pneumonia). She's on the upswing tho so hope to be back in normal schedule here soon