84 200ES All Ball Steering Bearings?

[kb0nly]

I know there was a post on here recently but i just can't turn it up with the search that showed someone replacing the ball type bearings with the All Balls roller bearing kit and i can't find it. Can someone point me to it or give some pointers to answer questions?

I helped do one of the all ball kits on the steering before, i have used their wheel bearing kits numerous times and they seem to be good quality. I know recently it was discussed that the top and bottom races and bearings are different heights, i think the taller one went in the bottom? And there was some discussion about a washer on the bottom that had to be between the seal and the bearing or was it between the seal and the fork crossmember, i don't remember now.

I know its going to be a major PITA to get that lower race off but if all else fails i know someone with a press that i could beg to help pop it off.

[kebby28]

So I ordered the All Ball Steering Bearings for my 84 200es. I'm trying to prepare it for a big trip up north this weekend. Well the steering was getting sloppy again and I have seen the shafts on this model get cut in half when they are run with play. I replaced all the balls and races last year and they are expensive and got sloppy quick. So I went with the upgraded All Ball Bearings.
Well I got it all apart and threw the old balls in the trash, pressed my new race in and went to slide the new bearings on (for the lower part) and it only goes down a couple inches till the shaft steps up in size a little then it doesnt fit. I used a pipe to pound the bearing down but it just is too small... I'm surprised because the kit says right on it 200es. Has anyone ran into this?

I was bummed I had to go picking through the trash to get the old balls back so I can run it this weekend.

The number on the new bearing: 4301
98-3516

[kb0nly]

The kit i did one mine the lower bearing was tight, but not that tight. I warmed the bearing up to expand it a smidge and cleaned the shaft with a wire wheel then sprayed it down with some lube, it slid down about half way then i tapped it down the rest with a pipe and rubber mallet. The races i put in the freezer overnight, that was easy, the lower bearing was the hardest part for sure.

[kebby28]

Thanks Kbonly,
I want to give it another try after the weekend and I'll try the heat and cleaning the shaft up a bit. As far as I could see and by the numbers the two bearings look to be the same.