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30-06-08, 12:34 PM | #1 |
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Steering head bearings - lifespan?
Just after some opinions as to how long steering head bearings should last, given appropriate attention at specified service intervals, no wheelies and minimal riding over speed humps, etc
Mine went at c. 17K miles, and I'm wandering whether to push for them to be fixed under warranty... EDIT: Whoops! should have put this in the other section as it's about a gixxer... Last edited by Fizzy Fish; 30-06-08 at 12:45 PM. |
30-06-08, 12:47 PM | #2 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
Hmmmmmm, well the CB is on 26k and has no problem, the speed triple is on 85k and has no problem (in fact I can't remember having to do them on any of the triumphs and most were over 100k) , the t'bird is on 19k and guess what, also has no problem.
Whilst it's possible to wear them out in a short time/low mileage it's normally down to them not being tightened properly at some stage (yes I know you's is serviced, but did they actually doing or tighten up the locking nut ?), unless of course it's something to do with lightweight and designed to be replaced sooner* ? *you never know these days, save an ounce here or there, you always pay for it somewhere else. Cheers Mark.
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30-06-08, 01:52 PM | #3 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
The steering head bearings on the Kwak died at ~16k, the next set have done 24k so far with no signs of wear. I think the major difference was that the first set had been installed by the factory "sans grease" and I hadn't done anything about it. Bearings on bikes never seem to have any of the damn stuff in out of the factory.
So I'd say it may be a toughie under warranty, but a set put in and greased frequently (I re-grease every time I've got the forks out, about every 10k or so) will last much longer. Jambo Edit: Ask for it to be done under warranty. You never know.
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30-06-08, 01:59 PM | #4 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
to be honest if I had my bike dealer serviced I would expect them to have re-greased them before now wouldn't you ?
Cheers Mark.
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30-06-08, 01:59 PM | #5 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
cheers guys - just had a word and managed to get it put through under warranty
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30-06-08, 04:16 PM | #6 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
Quite right too.I had a wheel bearing fail on a ZX6R some years ago and got that done under warranty.It had not been properly greased at the factory and they dont seem to learn do they?
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30-06-08, 06:37 PM | #7 |
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Re: Steering head bearings - lifespan?
Steering bearings last no time if they're too tight, not enough people - even those who really ought to know - seem to be able to set them right.
Most riders can tell if they're loose 'cos they knock, but very few seem able to tell if they're too tight, even with the effect that has on the steering. They need to be adjusted so they're only just tight enough to have no play, but not be loaded. Like that they'll last well and work right too.
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