Steering stem and bearing removal

[Skoalman]

I finally found some time to strip my recently purchased 84/85 Husky WR 400. It went very smoothly, until I got to the tripple clamps...The upper clamp was no problem, but as you all know in order to remove the lower clamp you need to remove the steering stem. Well, a close inspection of the the upper stem/bearing revealed that the bearing was indeed the original and of course 24 old bearings on a not so well maintained bike can pose problems when trying to remove them...So how do you actually remove the steering stem and lower clamp? Does it need to be pressed out?

Thanks!

 

[HuskyDude]

I'm sure others will add to this...no it does not have to be press out.
It should drop out only with gravity.

I have my bike securely attached to my hydraulic bike stand, loosen center bolt remove cables hoses wires etc. and slowly pump up the stand removing forks, front wheel etc all at once.

It works better with another pair of hands or (feet) in my case I have my daughter pump up the stand while I catch the front fork assembly.

Hope that helps.

 

[fran...k.]

I am not quite sure I understand fully your post so I might not say what you want. That year will have tapered roller bearings not loose balls. There is a nut above the upper clamp and another nut of sorts below the top clamp. You need a tool to remove that nut of sorts. some folks use punch and hammer but I suggest a less aggressive method. Then the only thing holding the steering stem would be friction and rust between the stem and the inside of the inner race (upper one). A block of wood and a hammer should take care of it. You might thread the first nut back on flush. I have never had to press any off. See thread a couple of weeks ago for lower bearing removal from stem. Pound out races in steering neck of frame with a punch gently going to different spots.

 

[raisrx251]

Is it like the modern bikes? Can you get the lower triple clamp onto the bench? The way I do the lower one on the modern bikes is to first chisel away most of the bearing. Then I take a dremel grinding wheel and cut a slot into the bearing race that is still on there. You ever so slightly cut into it starting at the top not going to far in nick into the steering stem. Once you get most of the way in most of way down it will crack and come right off.

 

[Skoalman]

Thank you for the advice gentleman. Much appreciated.

 

[Skoalman]

Just an update...I removed the circlip and ring as required, used some penetrating oil and high heat, and did the wooden block routine...It only moved about a 1/4 inch...More than likely it's rusted, so this morning I put some atf oil on the upper and I'm gonna let it sit for several days and heat it up from time to time...Again, thanks for your help.

 

[1983XC175]

Good luck Skoalman..

 

[Skoalman]

3 days of marinating it in atf oil, high heat, and some good ol' fashioned banging o' the steel (sounds a like recipe for some barbecue husky neck, don't it?) and that sucka finally popped out...thanks for your help fellas!

 

[HuskyT]

Another method for lower steering tem bearing removal

Several people suggested this to me. It worked amazingly well. Had lower bearing race off in under five minutes.

Air Die grinder or angle grinder
Mount stem in a vise. ( I wrapped mine in a bath towel to avoid marking up the shaft)
Grind. Examine with light to make sure not cutting into stem. Grind some more. Turn grinder and cut thick portion of bearing race ( removes a lot of material.
When almost through hit it with a chisel and mallet in the groove that you just created. Bearing spun instantly and fell off. Rubber seal is kind of messy with the die grinder . Very quick and easy. Just be carefull not to mark the stem with the die grinder.

Pics:

Overall view:

Close up of grind on lower inner bearing race and seal:

T

 

[Skoalman]

Thanks T!