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Author Topic: Steering head bearings.  (Read 3643 times)

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Offline Barbel Mick

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Steering head bearings.
« on: January 19, 2019, 12:54:38 »
I am going to change my steering head bearings to tapered roller bearings.
I won't be doing it, I will pay my local motorcycle garage to do it.  :)
After speaking to the mechanic it seems I can buy them for a better price than him so I will buy them & let him fit them.  :shrug:
Two questions...........
1. are these the type I require?
https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p187536/32006JRRS2-Narrow-Section-Steering-Head-Set-Taper-Roller-Bearing-30x55x17mm-SEALED-MODEL/product_info.html?backstep=1
2. Will I need the lower seal? (marked 2 in diagram)
Thank you.     
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Mick

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Offline Brockett

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2019, 13:26:44 »
Is that a model specific kit? if it is I would expect the seal with it.

Have a look at "all ball racing" kits.
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Offline tallpaul

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2019, 15:05:40 »
If the bearing is sealed then a separate seal won't be needed.
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Offline UK_Vstrom650

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2019, 15:43:27 »
The tapered 'all ball racing' kit I bought can with the seal marked 2 and 7 in the diagram.

I ended up having to re-torque the headset after a week or two of riding as they needed further adjustment.
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Offline Gert

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2019, 06:28:24 »
Not sure if you have read the following links wrt the bearing replacement / adjustment:
https://blacklabadventures.com/2012/05/09/how-I-adjust-the-steering-stem-bearings/
https://blacklabadventures.com/2012/02/28/steering-stem-bearing-replacement-upgrade/
While I do understand that you won't be physically doing the work on your bike yourself, the attached threads may help provide useful info on what the process is and what to expect to be undertaken.
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Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2019, 10:45:55 »
@ Gert, I did do a search and find those links...........that's why I'm paying to get them done!  :)
On the same post I found the links, Greywolf (RIP) said, he didn't use Chinese 'All Balls' but Japanese SKF bearings, any reason, are they better?
If I'm getting them done I don't want to do them again in a hurry. I know they don't get the use of something like the wheel bearings but few a few extra £'s I'd rather be safe.  :thumb:
Thanks for the other replies gents.  :thumb:

 
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Offline tallpaul

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2019, 11:35:01 »
I think SKF are Swedish, but they are one of many top quality bearing manufacturers. Not sure who All Balls source their parts from but bear in mind that these are not running at high speed, so they don't need to be precision rated or anything.
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Offline wurzel

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2019, 12:24:52 »
All balls are not best quality,skf are very good.
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Offline TLPower

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2019, 12:32:18 »
Another  :thumb: for SKF, we are talking safety critical here chaps and  certainly at the rate that Mick likes to ride at. :)

NTN are rather good as well.
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Offline Ianmc

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2019, 15:51:02 »
Wierdly enough,SKF stuff is made all over the world,Sweden,China,Mexico,USA.Take your pick.As are most of the other well known makes.
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Offline Brockett

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2019, 18:34:44 »
I have a set of SKF bearings and on the box it shows "made in India" and I don't think they mean the box.
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Offline tallpaul

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2019, 19:19:05 »
That's globalisation for you! It struck me as odd that bearing manufacturers seem to be three lettered too. SKF, NSK, FAG, INA, NTN, RHP, SNF to name but a few. I know RHP is the trade name of Ransome, Hoffman and Pollard, but I've no clue about the others...
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Offline Gert

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2019, 06:30:36 »
For years I have been an SKF fan, for their quality and reliability of bearings. It would not surprise me at all to discover that the same factory in China is in fact producing bearings for some of the other manufactures as well. Maybe same bearing, but just in a different packaging. Either way, as far as I'm concerned, I'll continue with SKF as my go to bearing brand, until such time it lets me down.
Please don't get me wrong, there are some good bearing brands out there. But that's up to personal choice and why we have the freedom to choose...
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Offline Barbel Mick

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2019, 10:53:29 »
Thank you all for the replies.
Seems as though it could be 'pay your money and take your chance'?
Maybe the better known bearing manufacturers have better quality control in the factories?
 
I have got the sizes & the common bearing numbers for both the steering head & the wheel bearings so I'm off to town now to see what the bearing supplier has to say.

@ TLP it's not the rate I ride at that I'm worried about......it's the stress I put on those head bearings when the front wheel hits the floor after my wheelies or during the stoppies I perform!!   :grin:
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Offline pichulec

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Re: Steering head bearings.
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2019, 19:53:33 »
SKF making bearings in uk as well, my two housemates working there :)
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