350x triple clamp

[Pitbilly]

Hi there

Once you remove the nut on top of the clamp does the bottom of the clamp and the shaft through steering stem drop out? If not how do you remove it?
Thanks

[kazander]

On top of the top triple tee there is one nut that holds the top triple tee down. Under the top triple tee is another nut that holds the bottom triple tree up.

[wonderboy]

Exactly what kazander said. Also, when you loosen the nut holding the bottom triple in, have a large rag (towel) set out under the tripples, or be very careful and don't let the bottom tripple just fall out. If you have an 85, the steering stem ball bearings are loose (I think 18 balls top and bottom). If you aren't careful, you'll have 36 little steel balls rolling around your shop floor.

[Pitbilly]

Thanks for the info....anyway once I got the forks out realized one was bent so I swapped out a straight fork and now she steers perfect...good thing I bought both triple and new forks

[Pitbilly]

Hi guys
Just noticed tonight when the bike is on the stand and front tire is off the ground I can move the handlebars forward and back like the steering stem is loose...the nut on top of the triple where gas tank vent goes in is tight. Do you think it's the nut under the top triple tree that kazander mentioned above? I just swapped out a fork...only loosened top triple clamp nut when doing that.

Thanks

[kazander]

either the nut is loose or the bearings are bad.

[Pitbilly]

Bearings are shot what do you guys recommend....all balls or some other brand?

Thanks

[barnett468]

Bearings are shot what do you guys recommend....all balls or some other brand?

What do you mean EXACTLY by 'they are shot"?

Both are avail new in the link below and possibly partzilla and ebay.

See item 15 and 16.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-atc350x-1...5.html#results

The lower one is a bearing assy, the upper bearings are loose #8 size balls which are avail at any motorcycle shop or hardware store.

When adjusting the play on the lower bearing, I tighten the nut by moderately tight, then back it off around 1/16 of a turn, then tighten the nut on the top tree. This re-tightens the lower nut/bearings a hair.

[El Camexican]

If you have the loose ball type bearings and they have flat spots they are junk and likley the races are as well. Tappered bearings are the way to go. I think Yamaha wanted like $4 bucks for EACH ball for my YTM! Tappered bearings will out live the rest of your trike.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-ATC-35...0d90a6&vxp=mtr

[barnett468]

The orig nos Honda steel balls in the link I provided are only .78 cents each.

Their size is the same as 5/32.

The following are likely Chinese.

100 for 10.00, chrome steel, typical crush strength 1,710 lbs per ball, lol.

http://www.amazon.com/Diameter-Chrom.../dp/B004YL328I


100 for 6.00

http://www.amazon.com/Diameter-Chrom.../dp/B004YL328I


Possible US or Japanese made grade 25, qty 25.

http://wheelsmfg.com/loose-ball-bearings-tub.html


Hardware stores = low, low price because you can buy 1 at a time. They are like;y chinese at home depot and lowes but will likely be be US made at real industrial hardware supply stores.

Most bicycle shops should have high quality ones cheap also.


As mentioned, tapered bearings are xlnt also.

[kazander]

I just put the tapered bearing kits in all mine. no sense messing with it.

[Pitbilly]

I'm assuming there no good...I tightened the nut under the top triple then backed off slightly so forks can turn then tightened down the top nut....I can still move the bars forward and back when front wheel is suspended....I'm gonna get the tapered bearing kit and have it installed....sick of messing with it...thanks