Steering bearings?

[dart1963]

So, I just did all the usual last weekend for my 12k service, oil, brakes, other fluids, etc. but I didn't check off my list 'till today.... when I came across, "repack steering bearings".... anyone else do this? Web makes it sound like if your going to take everything apart to repack them , then replace them and upgrade to roller bearings (ours may already have these, no idea)

sounds like I do not have the tools to do it.... so I'm thinking bring it to a dealer, maybe get the front springs/fork oil changed as well (they'll have the front off, why not?).

Any thoughts?

Also, I didn't think about it, and am not sure if the shop did it, but if your getting new tires, it's probably a good idea to have them repack the wheel bearings while they have the tires off.

 

[vitrox]

its simple to get to the steering bearings. Undo the top nut on the steering stem, remove top triple clamp, pull off both lock nuts, then the front end should drop out. This will give you access to both the upper and lower steering bearings.

 

[stuna]

02 drz400 22k on it . never done .. 03 gl1800 82k on it never done

 

[owldaddy]

oh ya, I forgot most Japanese bikes use ball bearings in the steering head. Oh well, hopefully when the races dimple on the 6r, tapered roller bearings will be available. That should be the last steering head bearings you will need to buy.

 

[cbzdel]

IMO if it aint broke dont fix it....

preventative maintenance is one thing, thats why I change the engine oil.. but with bearing I am sure you can tell when they start to go bad. possibly harder to turn the bars, or maybe noise or grinding..

alot of car manuals say to repack bearings as well but it typically is overlooked..

 

[dart1963]

IMO if it aint broke dont fix it....

preventative maintenance is one thing, thats why I change the engine oil.. but with bearing I am sure you can tell when they start to go bad. possibly harder to turn the bars, or maybe noise or grinding..

alot of car manuals say to repack bearings as well but it typically is overlooked..

While I don't know I'll let it get to "grinding".... I think it is probably one of those things... I'll hold off on. For now, an "inspection" that the front is not tight or making unusual noises will do.

If someone comes out with the roller bearings then it' my understanding that you do these once and they'll last the life of the bike? I love the sound of that!

vitrox: Don't you have to pretty much have to tear down the entire front and prop the bike up somehow? I don't have a garage, that's why I say I probably don't have what is needed to do this myself. I'm a fair weather mechanic, if it's raining or cold, I'm not doing much.

 

[cbzdel]

do you have any bearing shops close to your home?

there are a few I drive by every day on my way to work.. I am sure you could stop in to one and tell them what you have and what your looking for possibly they could do some checking into it for you.

 

[dart1963]

do you have any bearing shops close to your home?

there are a few I drive by every day on my way to work.. I am sure you could stop in to one and tell them what you have and what your looking for possibly they could do some checking into it for you.

no idea... I'd have to ask around, but thanks for the tip.

 

[CDN6R]

I might consider calling,or visiting the dealer I purchased the bike from,or any Yamaha dealer and asking the question on taper roller bearings.,,,just a thought.

 

[vitrox]

sorry, yes, you need to remove nearly the whole front of the bike to replace the bearings, just loosen and drop the triple a few inches to pack the bearings with grease. You will have to suspend the front of the bike with a few ratchet straps from the ceiling.

you only have to remove the top triple clamp and stem nuts to remove the upper bearing.

 

[nlpyle]

Anyone recommend a good grease to repack the bearings? I will be replaving the fork springs this weekend so I thought I would repack the bearings just because my front end seems a little tough to turn at times.

 

[owldaddy]

Yamaha recommends Lithium soap-based grease. If your experiencing a tightness in the steering, pay particular attention to the bearing races. With ball bearings used in this application, the balls may dimple the races, due to the fact that balls don't move around much while in service, and they transfer shock through them to the races. Once the races are dimpled, it is time to replace them. If you have to replace the bearings, check to see if you can get a tapered roller bearing instead of the ball. They will last the life of the bike.

 

[nlpyle]

Just found a bearing shop locally. Am going to give them a call today. Would I just ask if they have a tapered bearing for a FZ6R or what would I ask for so they will understand what I am looking for? Thanks

 

[owldaddy]

If you take in the dimensions of the original bearing, they should be able to come up with something. Bearing houses can usually cross reference bearings. Since this is a stock bearing from a motorcycle, I'd just measure it with a vernier caliper and take them that info. You can also look online, I know there are bearing catalogs available.