Which steering head race goes on Top

[PAdaytonaman]

Stupid question,

But an all balls kit, doesn't have part #s designated for top and bottom race and I thought I would check which one goes on top. Thick or thin.

There is about a .004 difference in the 2 pairs of races/bearings.

Thanks

[grayracer513]

The upper bearing should be an exact slip fit on the stem, with no discernible clearance to speak of. The lower needs to be a press fit.

[mdkcrf250r]

I dont remember there being a difference but your supposed to keep the bearings and races as a pair. In other words dont mix up the races. I went through the same dilemma but I cant remember anymore.

[CaptainKnobby]

Stupid question,

But an all balls kit, doesn't have part #s designated for top and bottom race and I thought I would check which one goes on top. Thick or thin.

There is about a .004 difference in the 2 pairs of races/bearings.

Thanks

I just put a set in mine not long ago and I'm pretty certain the thicker race was for the top bearing that went in at the top.

[PAdaytonaman]

Yes,

The thicker race does go on top, but the difference between the 2 oem races is only about .002. The all balls kit has a .004 difference. I'm not sure what to think about that, but it all went back together nicely.

BTW, I can't believe how wet it was inside the steering stem. I haven't washed the bike in months. That top seal sucks balls. This time I used Marine grease and will hope for the best. I think what did it in was storing it for the season and not disassembling everything before that. I was in good shape during the first year and a half. I serviced everything new and again at 10, and 20 hours and it looked fine. At another 13 and its was toast. I guess I'll be shortening that interval a bit.

[Justin]

I would recommend Pivot Works or OEM as it has the new "extra seal" incorporated in the top bearing. I still get some water in from time to time but it has cut down bearing replacement to once a year instead of once a quarter! =)