New Head Bearings

[grinner1969]

Before I start, just to let you know, I have never done this job before. Anyone else tried to fit 'All Balls' steering bearings? If not, be warned, they are a PIG! got the old ones out, fairly easy , then!!!!!!!
FEK ME! they are a pressure fit. Pressure fit they bloody well are, had to wire wool (with dremmel) to fit frame races, then had to grind the old bottom inner race out to use as a guide while I used a 2 pound lump hammer to be able to put the new bottom yoke ones on, what should have been a max 2 hour job turned into a 5 hours +
However, finally got it done, all fitted and feeling SMOOTH, and despite all the hassle, there is an absolute sense of "slap yourself on the back my son" and have lots of

[VTRDark]

The frame outer races are best left in the freezer overnight then they fit a bit easier. Then for the bottom bearing use heat or if you have a big chest freezer stick the bottom yoke in the freezer to shrink a bit or use some of that Plumbers spray for freezing pipes. That's more preferable than heating the bottom bearing. Expansion and contraction is you friend.

Did you remember to put the dust seal on first before putting the bottom bearing on.

(:-})

[adewhitmarsh]

Done mine afew months ago, no problem, aluminium drift & hammer, steering feels alot smoother now.

[grinner1969]

The frame outer races are best left in the freezer overnight then they fit a bit easier. Then for the bottom bearing use heat or if you have a big chest freezer stick the bottom yoke in the freezer to shrink a bit or use some of that Plumbers spray for freezing pipes. That's more preferable than heating the bottom bearing. Expansion and contraction is you friend.

Did you remember to put the dust seal on first before putting the bottom bearing on.

(:-})

Fekkin racers were in the freezer for 2 days bud! Never thought of puttin yoke in there too, DOH! Makes sense though

[grinner1969]

Yep, did put dust seal in first, was all done by the book (I hope)

[lloydie]

Did mine the other day and they are a nice tight fit as they should be , I wouldn't want loose fitting bearings !!

[Bananaman]

Aye, there aint nothin worse than 'avin yer balls rattli'n abaht

[grinner1969]

Did mine the other day and they are a nice tight fit as they should be , I wouldn't want loose fitting bearings !!

I appreciate they have to be tight, just didn't expect them to be as tight, considering the relative ease the old ones came out if you catch my drift

[tony.mon]

The trick is to use a big hammer and get them seated quickly while the parts are at different temperatures. If you take more than a couple of minutes the temperatures equalise and everything seizes up.
Using the old races as a drift is a good idea, just grind a little off the outside and then when you've driven the new ones in the old ones pop out again.

Keep them for next time.