How to remove steering bearings?

[fix]

Firstly i have tried to search on here but am still stuck.

Ive not done anything on my WR400 before ive only had it a few days but need to get it through the mot.

I have no idea how to get the steering bearings out,i havent taken anything off the bike to get to them and im not sure where to start other than maybe the big nut on the fork clamp.

Can anyone help me please?

Thanks

[Goose610]

Firstly i have tried to search on here but am still stuck.

Ive not done anything on my WR400 before ive only had it a few days but need to get it through the mot.

I have no idea how to get the steering bearings out,i havent taken anything off the bike to get to them and im not sure where to start other than maybe the big nut on the fork clamp.

Can anyone help me please?

Thanks

If it will help you Service manual is fore free on Yamaha Australia just download it

http://www.yamahaownershandbook.com.au/?r=0

[fix]

Thanks i had just already downloaded the manual but missed the section i needed to look at ill have a go at removing the bearings

[mkporn]

Couple things to do when pulling and replacing. Use a square edge long punch to drive the old races out (little heat will help also). Put the new races and the lower bearing in the freezer for an hour....it will make install a sinch.....trust me. There is no need for special tools other than a long punch. You can do the whole thing with a good punch and hammer. You the old race and bearing to drive the new races in...

[fix]

Cheers for that but i thought the bearing should be heated to expand them rather than freeze to contract?

[fix]

Thanks for the help ive taken both sets of bearings out and the racers which ive replaced,but on removing the bottom bearings ive damaged the seal.

Im gonna order a new seal (assuming i can buy it on its own) then put the new bottom bearings in.

I'll freeze the shaft to help my get the bearings on but is it safe to heat them?

Also can i use a hammer to gently tap the bearings back on without damaging them,and how much extra grease should i put on them?

Thanks

[brad the best]

if the bearings go on the shaft i would find a pipe that fits over the shaft put the bearing on then put the pipe on and hit the pipe with a hammer .

you would put the cups out of the head tube in the freezer to shrink them . shouldn't have to heat up the cone , just smack it on like i said . just heat it till its to hot to touch .

grease them like crazy , i use marine grease .

tighten down the head set nut before you tighten the tripple clamps or you will break them .

main thing is to get the bearing in straight , put some oil on the shaft , nothing likes to go on dry .

don't hit bearings with a hammer , get a brass hammer , or brass drift . and don't beat on the cone with anything . like i said find a pipe .

[fix]

Thanks

You say i shouldnt need to heat the bearings only freeze the shaft,but then say heat the bearings till they are warm so which should i do?

And i take it you mean use a plastic pipe not metal?

With the triple clamp you mean tighten the shaft back on the pipe with the ring nut and top nut before i attach the forks back on the clamp?

Sorry for all the questions!

[mkporn]

Cheers for that but i thought the bearing should be heated to expand them rather than freeze to contract?

Your right. The bottom bearing needs to be heated and the triple needs to be frozen. I was caught up with the races, not so much the bearing.

As for heating the bearing to get it on the triple, take a metal coffee can upside down and place a 100 watt light bulb under it. Set the bearing on top of the can for 10 minutes (don't grab it without gloves cause its going to be hot, believe me). This will heat the bearing evenly unlike a torch.?

[fix]

Thanks but i thought about sticking it in an oven on low for 5 minutes thought that'd work on

[mkporn]

Thanks but i thought about sticking it in an oven on low for 5 minutes thought that'd work on

That will work too. The coffee can or a metal container works great with a light bulb, just thought I would pass it on.?

[fix]

No probs i appreciate the info!

I now need to work out the best way to press the bearing back on the clamp without going to a garage, i thought about a vice but i dont know if that will damage them