Triple tree versus bearings ?

 

Hello,

I bought a new set of seering stem bearings for my 1985 Yamaha Xj 750
Maxim X.

Oddly, the lower bearing slips down the stem to about 1.5 inches above
the bottom and then jams. I could start to force it down but it feels
like it wouldn't go all the way down, and for sure would be next to
impossible to budge after that.

I haven't tried forcing it. It just doesn't feel right.

I get the feeling the bike was in an accident once upon a time and
wonder if the triple tree was replaced.

Should that lower bearing slide down easily?

Thanks,
John

(note spam block in return address - or just post here)

 



John van Gurp wrote:

No, the lower bearing should be a press fit...

The weight of the front end of your motorbike sits on that bearing. You
don't want it to be slopping around from side to side...

 



On 6 Jun 2005, krusty kritter wrote:


Interesting... I will have another look at it.
John

 

On Mon, 06 Jun 2005 21:21:33 GMT, John van Gurp


How did you get the old bearing off?

This bearing, like most other bearings, is a press fit. That means it
fits very tightly and needs to be pressed on with considerable force.
To ease the installation, you can heat the bearing a little (not too
much, or you'll destroy it).

When pressing the bearing on, it very important to keep it straight.
If you get it crooked and try to press it on, you'll damage the
steering stem and possibly also the bearing. This is particularly
important with these axial bearings, which have very narrow contact
areas.

But first, you must remove the old bearing. The thin washer under the
bearing will be destroyed in the process of removing the bearing, so
you'll need a spare one of those as well. And DO remember to put it on
before you press the new bearing on :-)

--
RoRo

 



The old dry and worn bearing was hellish to remove. I destroyed it in the
process. Thanks very much for the advice!

John



On Tue, 7 Jun 2005, Robert Roland wrote: