can i do it??

[yoshi]

i need 2 replace the steering head bearings on my cb250 hornet and im just wondering if its possible 2 do it myself and if so, any pointers??

[riffer]

Yes you can.

Get a manual. Or someone who can help. I would show you but I live too far away.

This site is helpful.

And this one.

[Taz]

Use the old races on top of the new races when hammering them in........

[yoshi]

thanks guys il try these wen the parts arrive

[F5 Dave]

Only issue is removing the old ones. You need a long sharp edge punch. Some bikes are a total pig as the bearings races are totally shielded by the seats in the frame. Some have enough overhang. Heat the steering head area to aid removal.

Often the only way is to Mig the old races to shrink them. Disconnect ignition, reg, battery earth etc first. Obviously be careful not to weld them to the frame.

Try to file or grind some notches for the next poor bugger.
Freeze the races & heat the frame before insertion

To remove the bottom bearing from the stem can be difficult. Careful wielding of a grinder is the easiest, but have to be careful.

[Squiggles]

Only issue is removing the old ones. You need a long sharp edge punch.

Or just roll by a friendly bike shop and have them use the REALLY BIG mallet + punch

[F5 Dave]

Roll by without your forks attached?
If there isn't enough overhang you can use any mallet you want but there's nothing to hit if there is no edge. Seriously frustrating.

[surfer]

Whats up that you need to replace a bearing? Are you repalcing both, the top and bottom or just the top set?

You might find that tightening up the nut on the top of the steering column does the trick. This will be the one under the handle bars, and not the one that you can see - it is under this (if that makes sense!).

If you are having problems removing a stubborn bearing race I found getting a large socket with an extension bar and putting that over the race then beating the extension bar with a mallet works. It pops out fine.

Failing that the only way to get it out is to break it if the heating regime does not work. Then get a very small grinder, the type used for arts and crafts to get inside the steering neck and grind anything that is protruding and stopping putting the new race in. It won't be much and you can work out where the problem is by gently placing the new race inside the steering column.

Basically it is a really simple job to do.

You may want to ensure that if you are not using a roller type bearing that the race has all the ball bearings. If you need extra ball bearings there are a stack load of shops that will sell you some. Be prepared to replace anything that is pitted and rusted. Make sure you do the nut up tight enough otherwise your handlebars will feel like they are jumping under heavy braking. Remember to grease all the bearings, this will hold them in place while you put it togther. I recommend getting someone to help for an extra set of hands if it goes a bit pear shaped to prevent bearings bouncing across the floor.

Good luck

[yoshi]

thanks surfer, i need it 4 a warrant, its got a bit of a notch in it so i gues its top and bottom

[Patch]

There is some really good advice been given but the very first thing you must do - Lubricate the brain with a smooth textured beverage, and don't forget to grease the bearings

[Taz]

The trick for removing tight taper bearing outer races - Run a bead of weld around the bearing face with an arc welder and it'll just pop/drop out.

[F5 Dave]

Yeah, said that before with the mig, far more precise than an arc. Have to disconnect electrical gear.

I think some people haven't encountered the totally shrouded type which are fairly common with tapered rollers. Old style ball bearing races were easy as always have heaps protruding.

All this being said Honda do have a bit of a love of encased races & new style races rather than tapered rollers. They are a bit different in design & steering precision to the older ball bearings but the end result is the same.

[Taz]

Yeah, said that before with the mig..............

So ya did......

[FROSTY:Me]

Nothings more frustrationg than dealing with a flush fitting taper roller bearing.
In the very middle of daves advice --Toss the NEW bearings in the freezer as soon as ya get home. Very usefull advise that