Steering head bearings anyone?

aerojack7654 · Post by **aerojack7654** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:22 pm

Hi folks,
I'm diligently working on my 63 Super Hawk and its all disassembled now as the refinishing/restoration/replacement begins. I have the triple tree off and in a moment of ebay fever, bought a steering head bearing replacement kit that replaces the old loose ball system with a modern roller bearing configuration. I have checked the existing races and balls and they certainly look ok, no obvious pitting or flat spots, so I was wondering if anyone has experience with these kits, is it worth what looks like could be a non-trivial job to remove the existing races and press on the new ones? Or should I weasel out and just put the original bearings back on? I am trying to update things that are problematic about the bike so it can be driven regularly and reliably, so if this is a worthwhile update, I'll go ahead and skin my knuckles...

Thanks,
Jack

Goodysnap · Post by **Goodysnap** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 10:21 pm

I inspected and reassembled the originals. They looked good to me as well. Maybe you'll get some positive feedback from some others on the kit. I wouldnt say it could hurt anything. Seemed like overkill to me.

I think one of the biggest issues in this area is moisture intrusion. Then rusting and pitting takes its toll. A bearing with a cage will fail in the same way when the water gets in there.

rrietman · Post by **rrietman** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 10:48 pm

yes, It's worth the trouble. the old races can be driven out with a drift quite easily and the new driven in with a suitable driver (socket,etc). follow the directions (you might need to use the supplied shims). the tapered bearings are way easier to adjust and keep that way.
Good luck
Randy

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 8:51 am

+ 1 on replacing with the tapered bearing kit! I've done a few, and it's a worthwile upgarde!

Davo

cknight · Post by **cknight** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:42 pm

The All Balls kit is 22-1011. the Parts Plus / Pro Flo kit is SSH-750. With the SSH-750 you can machine a steel spacer 34.8mm O.D, 30.0mm I.D., 3.7mm thick that you can place over your steering stem first and use the standard Honda dust seal. Regards, Chase

Snakeoil · Post by **Snakeoil** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 4:09 pm

Lube your bearings with marine grade waterproof wheel bearing grease and they'll have a much better chance of surviving over time.

regards,
Rob