Replacing loose ball bearings on the top of a Tri-Z steering neck with a tapered set

[Billy Golightly]

Anyone ever did this? Mine has alot of slack and play in that particular area. I dont like the loose ball bearing setup to be honest and like the idea of a nice tapered setup just like whats in the bottom alot better.

[Billy Golightly]

Also...Its time to replace the swingarm bushings and bearings. Never changed them on a Z before. Any aftermarket sources or just OEMs?

[03 ORANGE SHEE]

for the swinger , oem is all thats out there, and they aint cheap, like $70 for the seals, cups and bearings, and i dont know on the tapered bearing setup, mine havent got any slop in them in 20 years.

[Darius1502]

tighten up the main bolt on your triple clamps or neck.

You may be missing bearings. Still have the originals in mine and merely greased em up. They are tight as heck.

[Derrick Adams]

I hate swinger bearings. Their all terrible designs. Why would you put unsealed bearings in with no grease zerks? The last set I put in the Z lasted 6 weeks. I since went to hand-made brass bushings, the full length of the swinger, not just the outside like the originals. Mine are just now in need of replacement and lasted since last february. I think the next set I make will have grooves for grease and I'll add a grease zerk to the bolt.

I guess the same principal could be applyed to bearings. Just never had any luck with them in that area.

I just had to cut out a swing-arm bolt from a 2001 Warrior. That was a horrible design. Running the bolt thru a 12" long steel sleeve. Nahh, it will never rust together. Duh...

[Billy Golightly]

I think I am missing some of the loose ones...How many is it suppose to have, full circle so theres no gaps I'd guess? $70 is pretty freaking steep sounding for just a handful of little needle bearings...Maybe I'll do what Derrick did and make some brass bushings. I did just install one of Ronnie's stainless swingarm bolts.

[Blown 331]

I'd probably just stick with what you have. You shouldn't have a full circle on the bearings. A full set should actually look like one is missing. Just get them from the dealer they are really cheap and probably in stock. I just bought some for my 1976 Yamaha TT500. It takes 3/16" ball bearings on the top and 1/4" ball bearings on the bottom. As far as swing arm bearings, I used Richards bushings on my 250R, they are awesome!

[TimSr]

The swingarm bolt is hollow, so I plugged one ned, put a grease fitting in the other end, and then drilled two small holes right where the bearings would sit. You not only can keep them greased but you can purge the crap out after each ride.

[Blown 331]

The swingarm bolt is hollow, so I plugged one ned, put a grease fitting in the other end, and then drilled two small holes right where the bearings would sit. You not only can keep them greased but you can purge the crap out after each ride.

Damn, that is an awesome idea!

[BigGreenMachine]

Take her to a metal shop, they should be able to hook you up with a race and needle bearing for the top of your steering neck. I'd rather do it once the right way as opposed to twice the wrong way. I also have brass bushings in my swinger, great design.

[Mosh]

my banshee was eatin up swinger bearings. so i went to delrin plastic ones.they been in there a year and are still tight.they are 25.bucks.plus they are easy to remove when they need replaced.no more grindin races out. i held the z ones up to the banshee ones i have, and they were the same size. i can get a pic later if someone wants to see them. i think there are 17 balls in the upper race.they are 50 cents each. these specs are for 85 tri-z. unsure for 86 tri-z sizes.