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08-12-2017, 09:45 AM | #1 |
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Steering head bearings
06 Nomad 60k miles. Replaced mine a few years ago along with the races and greased well. I am having no problems but on another thread they stated that along with fork oil, they should be replaced every 15k miles or so. If they are still in good shape can I get by with just greasing them? If no and there is no wear on the races can I just replace the bearings? Do I need to worry about doing anything if there is no evidence of a problem? Since it rains darn near everyday and is fried hell hot, riding time limited so thinking on things that may need doing before a trip in October.
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08-12-2017, 09:52 AM | #2 |
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As long as bearings are adjusted properly, and kept well greased, they will last a very, very long time. These are the same type bearings used in the spindles on automobiles and look how long they last, and how much weight they support.
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Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381 |
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08-13-2017, 01:44 PM | #3 | |
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Quote:
I've known people that know its time to do some maint. but put it off till next season, then it gets pushed back again, and again. Thats the reason why I do Zerk fittings on my neck and swingarm. Those bearings are completely forgotten after a while. And after all, all your bikes weight in sitting on those lower steering stem bearings. Heat and use wash the grease right out, dripping on the ground. Every year, I give those zerks about a shot and a 1/2 of grease, nary a problem in 30+ years and 3 bikes....
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--------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... *My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved* --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride! |
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08-13-2017, 05:18 PM | #4 | |
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Quote:
DL how did you add Zirc fittings?
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Please post back after you have solved any issues 2016 1700 Vaquero 10/4/2016 2007 1500 Classic W/ Reckless Fairing, 42,000 miles 2004 600 Honda Shadow 18,000 miles 1989 500 Honda CX Custom 55,000 miles 1973 400 Kawi Triple 5,000 miles |
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08-14-2017, 01:36 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
http://www.vulcangadgets.com/files/h...eringlube.html
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--------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... *My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved* --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride! Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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09-05-2017, 06:17 PM | #6 |
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A question on putting zerks in to keep the steering bearing greased...
I know I read it somewhere back a while ago that you could get away with using a magnetic drill bit and tap and NOT tear the front end down to do this mod. Thoughts? |
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09-05-2017, 06:46 PM | #7 |
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Personally I would not use that approach the reason being that you could never be sure that steel has not fallen into the lower bearing.
You could do it and wait until the bearing gets notchy thereby necessitating a bearing replacement. Its a matter of choice. |
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09-05-2017, 06:51 PM | #8 |
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That's what I kept thinking. You could never be sure about the steel chips.
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09-05-2017, 06:58 PM | #9 |
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I think changing bearings at 15k is wayyy to soon, if they are greased and tightened properly they should last a lot longer than that.
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2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951 |
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09-05-2017, 09:34 PM | #10 |
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I am with Ring on that. BUT, it may depend on what torque you used when you replaced them. When I 1st checked mine, I could almost remove the nut by hand.
In my opinion the manual on the 1600 is wrong and the torque should be closer to what the 1500 Nomad calls for.
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Hammer aka CrocHammer KawaNow#00988, VROC#26389, VR#2202 Abbotsford, BC, Canada 2006 Black Nomad |
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09-06-2017, 05:58 AM | #11 | |
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Quote:
They were good then and greased well. I put in a grease fitting at 15,000 miles. Still smooth at 144,000 miles. I give them a shot of grease every year. I use Amsoil heavy duty grease. It's water proof.
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02 1500 Nomad (07 1600 Motor) 160,000 Red & Black 12" mini apes Galfer lines (6' over) EJK Dobeck Reckless Fairing. Led H4 headlight All LED lights Rockford Fosgate radio |
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