ColtMax's 1997 Restoration thread - 2 - Steering Head Bearings replacement

[ColtMax]

This thread is part of a series, you can find the list of all other threads related to my overall restoration here: ColtMax's 1997 Restoration thread

Given the age and mileage of my Vmax, I cannot ignore to replace the steering head bearings . Although I read this task is quite a challenge to accomplish, I decided to attempt the replacement myself.
After putting the bike on jacks and lifting the front wheel I could tell immediately that the bearing were completely shot. There was as free spot on steering center, but as soo as you would pass 10-15 degrees of steering movement, it would become very stiff. I assume this indicates flat spots in the bearings.

STRATEGY:
My plan is to perform this job using OEM bearings make use of standard tooling as much as possible. I know I might end up needing some bearing pullers, but I'll try to limit the costs to something reasonable.

PARTS:

Item	PN	Description	Qty
1	93332-00079-00	BEARING	​ 1​
2	93332-00008-00	BEARING	​ 1​
3	1J7-23415-00-00	COVER, BALL RACE 1	​ 1​

TOOLING:
I know I said I would try to keep the cost down, but as you'll read down below, I did myself a favor and invested around 70$ CAD into two types of bearing pullers:

1 - Neck Bearing Race Remover (25$ CAD: https://amzn.to/4auVtP5)​

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2 - Bearing Separator Puller Set (45$ CAD: https://amzn.to/3PO1Kfh)​

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3 - Standard Pry Bar to be modified (already had this in my tool box)​

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DISASSEMBLY:
They say an image is worth a thousand words... what about a video?
Please be patient with my English and terminology accuracy

 

[Stephan]

I would be very interested to know if those pullers work OK. When I replaced mine I had to cut completely through the bottom race with several diamond bits on my Dremel. Took a few hours I can tell you. You might be able to do yours in minutes! Good luck!

 

[maleko89]

I would be very interested to know if those pullers work OK. When I replaced mine I had to cut completely through the bottom race with several diamond bits on my Dremel. Took a few hours I can tell you. You might be able to do yours in minutes! Good luck!

That's exactly what I did. Wasn't too bad using the small diamond discs. If anything, the pry might work if you grind a landing to access lower race from the top.

Mark

 

[Fire-medic]

The lower outside race can be removed with a chisel or punch. The top one needs cutting a slot or four 90 degree blobs of weld bead on the race surface. Often the heat of welding will cause the race to loosen, making it easy to punch-out.

The bearing on the steering stem is another one to cut, your choice of pullers, with the two halves I expect would work, too.

Once the races are out as maleko89 said grind some reliefs in the neck to make it easy to remove the outer races 'next time.'

 

[ColtMax]

Video added for the disassembling portion of the job.
English is not my first language, so be patient with me

 

[Radioguylogs]

Great video! (With sound effects!)

Even though I have done this job many times on various bikes, I learned new tricks from your job.

Your English is better than most people who have English as their main language. I don't know why you would apologize.

Thank you taking the time to make the video.

 

[maleko89]

Agree, well done! I liked it and saved it.

Your English is great!

Mark