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steering head bearing removal

Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 7:03 pm
by trix
Any tips on removing the bearing cup from the bottom of the steering head in the frame? The top one is relatively easy as its possible to get a drift onto the back of the cup because it protrudes. The lower one is kind of flush with the inside of the stem...

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 2:33 am
by Speed Freak
Take a piece of flat steel, cut it that it fits into the bearing (as deep as possible) and spot weld it (1 small spot on each side is enough)
Protect the rest of the frame from welding ?spatter? (is it the right word?)

Now you can remove the bearing.

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 5:36 am
by Smoker
Try a tool like this.

Slide it in and a couple of taps with a hammer and done.

Image

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 3:26 pm
by Speed Freak
@Smoker: RZV frame?

The RD/RZ steel frame is different, you can`t use this tool as the frame inner diameter is smaller than the bearing.
Stupid design...

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 5:21 pm
by trix
..i tried speedfreak's suggestion and it worked ok. Not pretty but it was difficult to weld to the cup

while i had them out i ground out some notches to make it easier next time!!

thanks guys


Image

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 12:27 pm
by Smoker
Speed Freak wrote:@Smoker: RZV frame?

The RD/RZ steel frame is different, you can`t use this tool as the frame inner diameter is smaller than the bearing.
Stupid design...
Yes, I changed the races in my RZV frame. Have not tried the RZ frame.

I can see what you mean by looking at the above photo. I wonder what the service manual says?

Re: steering head bearing removal

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 3:30 pm
by Speed Freak
"Pitting/damage => replace" :mrgreen:

No word about how to do it.