85 ATC250r - front steering stem bearing removal - Any tricks for removal?

[jchale]

starting reassembly and purchased a new set of bearings for the front steering stem. Are there any tricks on removing the upper and lower race from the frame? Of course I had the frame powder coated prior to removing these. I don't want to make a mess of anything. Am I better to just leave the old race in and just use the new bearings?

Thanks

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[250rRoostmaster]

Small cut off wheel, cut the race and it will pop right out. Just go slowly and carefully.

[Dirtweed]

Is there anything wrong with the old one and do the new bearings fit? If they fit, I wouldn't mess with it and a chance
to chip up the powder coat.

[Jmoozy27]

What type of bearings are you installing? If oem then using the old races should work. If upgrading to all balls then the old races must be removed because it is a tapered bearing not a ball bearing. Removing the old races I always use an 18" punch and BF hammer and try not to miss. Installing the new races I find an impact socket close to the ID of the steering neck to drive in the new race evenly.

[jchale]

The current bearings are tapered as well. Hope I get some time in the next few days to work on. I want to install my LSR rear axle as well.

Thanks for the replies guys.