Steering bearings
Moderators: Gromit, Paul, slparry
Steering bearings
Hmmm.... I've been noticing a slightly clunk as I wheel my bike backwards from it's parking spot. When I turn the bars there is a definite feeling of the bearings being notchy as the bars go from one side to the other. Nothing noticable when riding yet. Need to get the front wheel off the ground to inspect properly, but it would appear that the steering bearings could be on the way out. A bit disappointed, as I've only had the bike about a month, and it's only done 14k. Hey ho.
Soooo, my question is, having done the steering bearings on several conventional forked bikes, are there any specific issues or problems with doing these? Or could the problem be something to do with the Paralever system?
When I get a chance at the weekend I'll get the front wheel off the ground and give it a good pull around and see what I can feel. Not especially looking forward to the prospect of replacing the bearings, as I'm guessing it might mean long-winded removal of bodywork etc?
Thanks,
Nik
Soooo, my question is, having done the steering bearings on several conventional forked bikes, are there any specific issues or problems with doing these? Or could the problem be something to do with the Paralever system?
When I get a chance at the weekend I'll get the front wheel off the ground and give it a good pull around and see what I can feel. Not especially looking forward to the prospect of replacing the bearings, as I'm guessing it might mean long-winded removal of bodywork etc?
Thanks,
Nik
No, not hard to do Nik. Just a bit of heat (120 degrees) to release the ball joint. You don't need the specialist tool listed in the workshop manual either, just a decent length allen socket and a ring spanner
Also, as was pointed out to me some time ago, there aren't technically any steering head bearings in any case, Just a single bearing to accommodate the top yoke/handlebar assembly.
Here's a link for new bits if you do need
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=30&Ct=KA&SbCt=BA_15_30_KA_05
Also, as was pointed out to me some time ago, there aren't technically any steering head bearings in any case, Just a single bearing to accommodate the top yoke/handlebar assembly.
Here's a link for new bits if you do need
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=30&Ct=KA&SbCt=BA_15_30_KA_05
Blame the Deed, Not the Breed
Traitor Z1000SX Owner
Traitor Z1000SX Owner
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Which balljoint generally wears , I've been looking at mine , there is some noise but I think it's just the brake pads.. Just to confirm, afaik the 11S doesn't have any bearings in the steering ? Just two ball joints ? . Isn't it just the R11xxR and GS models that have the ball bearing?
There's nothing in the online parts diagrams.
There's nothing in the online parts diagrams.
_________________
Nigel
Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you've been up to!
1999 R1100s (mandarin) '
2018 DL 250V Strom
2019 CB125F Honda.
MZ301 Saxon Fun ( currently retired)
'03 Bullet 65 project..
Nigel
Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you've been up to!
1999 R1100s (mandarin) '
2018 DL 250V Strom
2019 CB125F Honda.
MZ301 Saxon Fun ( currently retired)
'03 Bullet 65 project..
The two model types you mention operate slightly differently, as you say.
The types with lower bars (sportier, if you must) pivot with a single ball joint at the steering pivot point, with the tubes clamped firmly. The types with higher bars seem to use a more conventional steering bearing and each tube pivots at the top end on an individual ball joint.
Subtle but significant differences.
The types with lower bars (sportier, if you must) pivot with a single ball joint at the steering pivot point, with the tubes clamped firmly. The types with higher bars seem to use a more conventional steering bearing and each tube pivots at the top end on an individual ball joint.
Subtle but significant differences.
We had a bike with a mystery clunk as you describe - it turned out to be the fork bushes.
The bike was a later model (without the damper tubes in the legs) which has a lot more fork oil.
Somebody had previously re-filled it with the lower quantity as for the earlier model. Hence lack of lubrication in the leg and excessive wear on the upper bushes.
Just something to check when you get the front off the ground that's all.
The bike was a later model (without the damper tubes in the legs) which has a lot more fork oil.
Somebody had previously re-filled it with the lower quantity as for the earlier model. Hence lack of lubrication in the leg and excessive wear on the upper bushes.
Just something to check when you get the front off the ground that's all.
'Hinterachsge' translates as 'rear axle'.(Not 'Differential', so f*** off)
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