Steering head bearings replacement?

[hang0ver]

Hey there...

So my steering head bearings in my '98 Blade are needing a change it seems. The handling is definitely getting vague, with reluctance to turn in on corners...

So, is anyone able to give me an estimate on the price from a mech to have this done? I don't have anywhere near the tools or know-how (although the garage night vid gave me some good insight).

Thanks,

H

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

hi there! as a guess I would expect an hour charge out @ $80 plus bearings if in needof replacing, up to $60ish.?? prolly best to talk to your local bike garage but.

[hang0ver]

hi there! as a guess I would expect an hour charge out @ $80 plus bearings if in needof replacing, up to $60ish.?? prolly best to talk to your local bike garage but.

Hey, yeah I just got a quote for around $200-220 including labour... I've heard that it can take a good couple of hours depending... That quote is worst case supposedly.

Looking foward to some sharper handling in the near future!

[discotex]

Hey, yeah I just got a quote for around $200-220 including labour... I've heard that it can take a good couple of hours depending... That quote is worst case supposedly.

Looking foward to some sharper handling in the near future!

Sounds about right to me. I was quoted around that until mine were replaced under warranty.

Make sure you get them checked and if needed have them re-tightened after 500-1000km as they can loosen up a fair bit as they bed in.

[The Pastor]

Its not hard to do by yourself, i worked my way though it

but bearings are a total bitch to put in and take out. They are just sooo tight!

[mnkyboy]

but bearings are a total bitch to put in and take out. They are just sooo tight!

Sounds like you went to a honda rally:laugh:

[Racin Jason]

Hi the bearings themselves are easy enough to get in and out with the right tools. The problem is Fairings, handle bars, front wheel, forks lights subframe etc all have to be removed or moved out of the way as the lower triple clamp/steering stem must be removed. Unless you are always working on the same type of bike, time needs to be taken... Hence Labour cost will never be cheap, unless its a dirt bike.

A good way to check them is to lift the front wheel on the side stand and move from side to side slowly. If it feels notchy then they will need replacing. If it feels very loose or tight they might just need re - tensioning.
Loose bearings will give a "nocky" feel in the front over bumps etc and will be a little harder than normal to turn under load.

[sharky]

Got mine done at Spectrum a few months ago. Was $230. That was the cheapest quote by far, others over $400.

[hang0ver]

Got mine done at Spectrum a few months ago. Was $230. That was the cheapest quote by far, others over $400.

Wow... Maybe thats an Auckland thing?

Thanks for all the replies. My little bro managed to reverse into the 'Blade on Friday and f$%k it over... So its goin to be a little more then just steering head bearings now. Well, it needed a new complete kit anyways...