Head Bearing Removal
 

I'm in the process of fitting my GSXR front end and while i'm at it i'm changing the head bearings to needle roller types.

I've got the headstock races fitted and now i just have to change the steering stem race. Can i get the original one off? Can i ****!!!!

Any advice for getting this thing off?? I know some bikes have holes to allow you to drift them out from under the bottom yoke but the GSXR forks don't.

Re: Head Bearing Removal
 

Heat, lots of heat ?

Make sure and stick up some pics when your done :D

Re: Head Bearing Removal
 

Are you talking about the one at the bottom? I used a special tool that looked like an alien whisk. Could always use a massive flathead though and a hammer.
when putting the new one is put it in the freezer for a bit first as the metal will constrict (wrong word?) making it smaller so it'll go in slightly easier. and don't be a tight hunt on the grease!

Re: Head Bearing Removal
 

I just went to a local garage - asked them to press the stem out of the bottom yoke - bearing race of course goes with it - an then press the stem back in and the new tapered roller on. Took maybe 10 minutes - mostly rifling though his box of bits to find something that wouldn't damage the cage on the new bearing. The didn't charge me anything for it.

You can drive a chisel etc under the bearing -but it'll destroy the seal that's there (not a big deal obviously). Stem/yoke in the freezer and bearing somewhere warm when it comes time to reinstall. Probably easier to pack the new bearing before it goes on the stem.