Steering head bearing question's

[Matt-]

Hi,

Soon i am going to be doing my Honda NSR steering head bearings as it's got up & Down play, Haven't had much experience with this type of bearing so I've got a couple of questions,

Picture of bearing here:

https://www.lingshondaparts.com/honda_motorcycle_parts_large_image_M50.php?block_01=13KY4NEA&block_02=F__0600&block_03=3393


What sort of grease should be used on these and how much and where on the bearing should it be applied to as i have seen people say on here too much can cause issues..?

Also,how are the races inside the tube to replace?

Any ideas or tips are helpful..

Cheers,

[sickpup]

[Matt-]

Taking the play up did not work it just made the steering very notchy, what ever adjustment on the lock nut resulted in notchy steering or up & down play.

Another question how sensitive are these bearings in terms of doing them up, manual says 2nm so I know it's not a lot and doesn't need to be silly tight?

Matt

[Islander]

If it's notchy then they probably do need replacing. They should be tight enough to allow the bars to fall freely from lock to lock without sticking and without any free play as tested at the forks.

Grease - Castrol LM or similar.

[Matt-]

Thanks, ordered some grease off eBay for £5 free p&p.

Where do the bearings need to be greased? Some people are saying they need to be done at the top and bottom of the balls and some are saying generously greased all over.

Was just having a think the races should come out fairly easily with a drift with some even tapping, also is it correct that new bearings should be put in the freezer to make them go in the steering tube a bit easier?

Many thanks,

[Islander]

Make sure the new races are packed with grease. When you drift the old ones out make sure you work around the shell evenly so that they come out squarely.

Yes, sticking the new shells in a freezer for an hour or so will shrink them and help them drop in.

[Raffles]

[Matt-]

Ok thanks, so do the cage with all the balls need grease? (The bearing)
Or do inside of the races just need to be packed?

Matt,

[YBR Ric]

Everything the balls touch and the balls themselves will need to be smothered in grease
too much is better than too little as the excess will help keep water out of and away from the working surfaces.

I prefer to do my own head races with the forks out, using the feel from the weight of the yokes to set up the adjustment.
It's very easy to put far too much pressure on the races causing premature wear with just a 1/4 turn of over adjustment.

[Islander]

Pack the bearing with grease. You really can't over do it.