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:
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:
DISASSEMBLY:
They say an image is worth a thousand words... what about a video?
Please be patient with my English and terminology accuracy
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)
2 - Bearing Separator Puller Set (45$ CAD: https://amzn.to/3PO1Kfh)
3 - Standard Pry Bar to be modified (already had this in my tool box)
DISASSEMBLY:
They say an image is worth a thousand words... what about a video?
Please be patient with my English and terminology accuracy
Attachments
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