Steering stem bearings ( PICTURES!!!)

[smyers33]

As I have been working on my rebuild. I just looked at the bearings I got and I put the one that goes on the bottom of the stem on, and it doesnt go down all the way. There is like a half an inch to go. If I push on it it wont go anywhere. Am I supposed to them down to the bottom, or are they supposed to sit there? I'll get some pic's if they are needed.

[bp739]

I put the bearings in the neck of the frame first (pound them in using a socket of the same size) then I put the stem through and used a block of wood to pound on(with a ) on the bottom of the tree....not sure if thats right but it seemed like the only way not to dammage the bearing.

[smyers33]

Thank you very much... I'll try that tommarrow afternoon!

[badasskfx]

slide a piece of pipe over the stem so that it fits over the inside part of the bearing. put the bottom tree in the freezer for the night before installing. use the pipe like a slide . it will go on like butter. go to home depot for the black iron pipe.

[82300R]

i replaced the steering stem bearings on my 81 r with the tapered roller bearings that you get off e bay. they were TIGHT going on the stem. i fooled around and didn't remove the stock race first. so it was twice the work but they work fine so far. they been on there a while now.

[DeePa]

there are differnt bearings for the top and bottom...try the other one

mike

[smyers33]

I have tried them both, and I know which one goes where. I'm going to put them on later. What way are they supposed to go on there? With the little metal casing down towards the tires? Or up towards the top bearing? And which way does that one face? Thanks for all the help

[clutchcargo]

The bottom bearing is usually pressed onto the stem. Try the pipe method if you don't have access to a press.

[smyers33]

This is getting so aggrivating!!! Here are some pictures with questions.

[Billy Golightly]

It looks like part of the race is still on the bottom of the stem. Cut it off or whatever you gotta do. The bottom bearing needs to seat flattly on the clamp. Install the bottom bearing with the taper small tapered end up, like you have in the picture. Press the race into the bottom of the frame steering neck so that it will fit the bearing. You'll probably have to knock the old one out o the neck if you haven't already to get the new one in.

The thing on the top of the frame is actualy a "cap" and can be knocked out with a punch or piece of pipe from the bottom. Or atleast should be able to. You'll then be able to press in the new bearing and bearing race. It should go in with the smaller part of the taper down, like you have in the last picture

[smyers33]

Going out to try it, probably be back with more questions. Thanks for the detailed info!

[smyers33]

That did it. Thank you so much!

[Billy Golightly]

No problem, glad you got it worked out.

[IrvSLedman]

Yeah, when i installed the strem bearings on my 200, the bottom race stuck and i hade to grind it down, then finished it off with a chizel. quite a pain in the arse if you as me lol .

[smyers33]

I put on the top triple clamp today. Still confused about this top bearing. I got it in the middle of the neck and tripple. I have nothing else in there. Is this correct, because I can't figure out how in the world you could fit anything else in there?