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Old 08-12-2017, 09:45 AM   #1
ldhthept   ldhthept is offline
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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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Old 08-12-2017, 09:52 AM   #2
VulcanE   VulcanE is offline
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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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Old 08-13-2017, 01:44 PM   #3
DragonLady58   DragonLady58 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VulcanE View Post
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.
What VE Said! Always remember the old saying, outta site outta mind....
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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Old 08-13-2017, 05:18 PM   #4
mbarr10   mbarr10 is offline
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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.
What ,.. are you talking about me. Yup , I notched them. Don't be a dumb ass like me.

DL how did you add Zirc fittings?
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Old 08-14-2017, 01:36 PM   #5
DragonLady58   DragonLady58 is offline
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Originally Posted by mbarr10 View Post
What ,.. are you talking about me. Yup , I notched them. Don't be a dumb ass like me.

DL how did you add Zirc fittings?
Here ya go.....
http://www.vulcangadgets.com/files/h...eringlube.html
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Old 09-05-2017, 06:17 PM   #6
nomadbob   nomadbob is offline
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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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Old 09-05-2017, 06:46 PM   #7
redjay   redjay is offline
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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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Old 09-05-2017, 06:51 PM   #8
nomadbob   nomadbob is offline
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That's what I kept thinking. You could never be sure about the steel chips.
 
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Old 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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Old 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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Old 09-06-2017, 05:58 AM   #11
Jllm02199   Jllm02199 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ringadingh View Post
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.
I agree. I have looked at my head bearing once around 90,000 miles.
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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