Steering head bearings

splitenz · Post by **splitenz** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:39 pm

Here's one for the experts.... how many 1/4" bearings are in the upper/lower steering races on a CL72? They fell out on disassembly and I thought I got 'em all but on re-assembly the steering seems to bind somewhat on a full left turn motion. No numbers in Bill Silver's or the Honda shop manual. I haven't played around much with the tightening, maybe just a little too tight? I would like to open it back up and take a count! I picked up a pack of 100 new bearings for $5 so I will replace when I know how many should be there. Maybe just "filler-up"? As always, thx in advance.

splitenz · Post by **splitenz** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:55 pm

According to the CMSNL catalog, it doesn't tell in the fiche but, in the "add to cart" area were you to add them to an order, you would buy 38 of these beauties... (and at $.64 a piece !!) I will say however, if CMSNL says they have 'em, they have 'em. I think I ended up with an odd count, which is why I was suspicious about the movement. -dc

britman · Post by **britman** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:10 am

Splitenz,

I just finished reassembly on my steering head last week. I don't know what the book calls for either. I believe I put 19 on the bottom and 18 on the top. As you said, I went by the the filler up rule with ample grease. I haven't done final adjustment yet, but it seems to be fine. I recently saw an article on adjusting tension with a fish weighing scale and two pounds of pull each way on final dial in. Might give it a try, it is sure to damn cold to fish right now.

cknight · Post by **cknight** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:36 am

It appears that the CB and CL bearing races are the same. So, the 18 on the top and 19 on the bottom count would be correct for the bearings, due to the different diameters of the races. Regards, Chase

gramey7 · Post by **gramey7** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:19 am

Confirmed 18 top, 19 bottom. I went through this a couple of years ago myself because the CL 77 Parts Catalog incorrectly puts the total number at 38. I believe LM sorted me out on that.
George

gramey7 · Post by **gramey7** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:19 am

Confirmed 18 top, 19 bottom. I went through this a couple of years ago myself because the CL 77 Parts Catalog incorrectly puts the total number at 38. I believe LM sorted me out on that.
George

splitenz · Post by **splitenz** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 9:31 am

Thanks all, so I might be right with the odd count I think I had. Only one way to know, and since I haven't gotten to putting the forks back on, now's the time to open it up again and check. I didn't realize the races were different sizes! -dc