'85 250SX steering stem replacement bearings question

[JThias]

Has anyone here replaced the steering stem bearings on an '85 250SX? I went with this kit from 223 Cycles: https://www.223cycles.net/store#!/Ho...it/p/521591788

So here's the problem I'm having. The instructions say to measure the height of the original lower bearing with some balls and the race, and then that will determine whether or not to use the spacer that came with the kit. Well, I had to destroy the original lower bearing (which was already missing some balls) to get it off the steering stem, so I didn't have anything to measure. On a hunch, I used to the spacer. Well, now I can't get the stem far enough through the neck to screw on the steering head cap. To make matters worse, I'll have to destroy the new lower bearing to get it off the stem in order to remove the spacer. Great, another $50 down the drain to buy a second kit just to get a new lower bearing. Ugh.

Was I wrong to use the spacer and I'm actually overlooking something that is not allowing the stem to be threaded on? (Yes, the lower race is tapped in as far as it will go into the neck) Just want to be 100% sure before I install another lower bearing onto the steering stem.

This is why I'm not a mechanic...I always seem to F things up.


Edit: by the way, that link is somehow taking it to the page for the 200X bearings, which is not what I ordered, but I'm guessing they are the same. When I copy and paste the link, somehow it changes from a 250SX link to a 200X link. Weird.

[Shep1970]

Sounds like u shoulda just played with your balls instead.... sorry i had too. I cant answer your question though either i like my balls.

damn, now i sound like glamy, anyway good luck

shep

[camy]

hahahaha!!!

[JThias]

Sounds like u shoulda just played with your balls instead.... sorry i had too. I cant answer your question though either i like my balls.

damn, now i sound like glamy, anyway good luck

shep

Thanks for the laugh.

So I ended up getting brave and I used my grinder (with a cut off blade that was thinner than the spacer) to remove the spacer. It took me about 45 minutes as I was trying to be as precise as possible so I wouldn’t destroy the dust ring (which would have been a $50 mistake). It got a little sketchy for a few moments, but I was able to finally cut through the spacer enough to force it off with a screwdriver. I then tapped the bearing and dust ring all the way down where the spacer once was. So that ended up doing the trick. I was able to get everything back together this morning and take her for a spin!

So just a word of advice, if you are doing the All Balls roller bearing update on a 250SX, DO NOT use the provided spacer. There’s even a second thinner spacer that is supposed to go on top (according to videos I’ve watched), but I didn’t need to use that either.

Oh, and here's that evil spacer that brought me a lot of grief....

[MrConcdid]

Good job, also note the lower race in the kit is reccessed into the bottom of the neck, below flush, if it isnt seated into the neck, it will not work, you will not have enough threads at the top.

MrC.

[JThias]

Good job, also note the lower race in the kit is reccessed into the bottom of the neck, below flush, if it isnt seated into the neck, it will not work, you will not have enough threads at the top.

MrC.

Thanks, MrC. I actually watched two of your vids on how to do the replacement. One of the Big Red and the other for the 350X. I believe you used the lower spacer in both vids, so I went ahead and used it for mine as I had nothing left to measure from the stock bearing removal. Bad decision! haha In the end I got it to work after I cut the spacer out and I haven't had any issues yet. Rode it hard on both the oval track and MX track at Trikefest this past week, and everything seems to be secure. Next project for the front end will probably be the axle bearings as now that I have the steering stem all tight (it was quite loose before with the missing ball bearings), I've noticed I have another "loose" issue. While my front wheel is certainly not going to fall off, the loose nature of the axle is bugging me. I should probably redo the forks as well since everything in them is still stock.