350x steering bearings

[Shane.walker11]

Has anyone put the "all balls" bearings in their 1985 350x? if so, is there a difference between the 2 bearings that come in the kit? I tried to put the bearings in a couple days ago, after I pounded the race into the bottom of the neck, I slid the bearing over the steering stem and then slid that into the neck, it seemed like it would not completely seal or go all the way up into the neck of the frame. Is there a difference in size between the bearings or am I just doing something wrong? I am doing a full restore on this thing and this is the only thing holding me up from getting the frame back to a roller.

[KIM 501]

did you put the washer-spacer on first,under bearing

[3or4wheels]

Have you put the upper race in the lower position and visaversa by mistake?Not sure it that´s posible though.
The issue I had with the all balls kit was with the upper race,if I remember correctly it sat proud of the headtube,that´s why
I´m thinking you may have the upper race in the lower position.

[jb2wheels]

Does this help?
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/142148-JB-s-350X-Refresh?p=1112097#post1112097

Starting at the lower triple, you install the washer, seal, then bearing.

[Shane.walker11]

thanks guys, super helpful. Now I just need to know how to tell the difference between the upper and lower bearing and races b/c the only difference that I can see is the part number on the plastic bag that each bearing comes in. I held them next to each other and I don't see a size difference. Is there a difference?

[Shane.walker11]

Just incase anyone else is having an unusual hard time like myself with these steering bearings being as I have never done them before. here is a video I found on youtube about replacing steering bearings on a Honda dirtbike, not a three wheeler but its close enough. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYUL4siK82o

[Shane.walker11]

So, i bought another bearing kit b/c i finally after trial and error found out which bearing is for for the top and which is for the bottom... Its actually pretty easy... And made me feel pretty dumb after finding out... If you put one if the bearings on the steering stem and it wont go any further than like 3" down the shaft... Then that is the top bearing and race.. Hahahahaha... Its sad that i had to learn this the hard way... Lessons learned i guess.

[jb2wheels]

Right - the only difference between the two is the inner diameter. The outer diameter and the races are the same.