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H2B Steering Head Bearings Question
http://www.kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4260
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Author:  rusty34 [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

Looks like the lower steering head bearing is exposed to the weather unless I am missing something. Looking up at the bottom of the steering head tube from below you can see the rollers of a roller bearing. Looks bone dry and maybe even a little rusty. Is this how they are? How do you keep them lubricated and keep dirt out?

Thanks, Rusty34

Author:  Jim [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

Stock head bearings are ball, so someone changed them to roller, which is pretty common. I wouldn't think you should be able to see the rollers though, so it sounds like you need to take it apart and see why things aren't seating/assembled correctly.

I get crap for it, but I put a grease fitting on my head tube around 1979, and keep my stock head bearings greased that way. They are the originals, and are still smooth and not notched from wear.

Author:  400500750 [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

Jim; haven't I read that some owners also tap their m.c. swingarms (if not already done) Sounds wise, or "at least shouldn't hurt"? :think:

Author:  H~one.5 [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

Redline Motorsports sells a cheap tapered steering bearing seal set...like $6.
Maybe a good option?

Author:  ThreePipesSmokin [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

H~one.5 wrote:
Redline Motorsports sells a cheap tapered steering bearing seal set...like $6.
Maybe a good option?

I thought that was too good to be true, it's the seals that are 6 bucks, the bearing set is $31.60. That's about the going price...

Author:  rusty34 [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

Looks like the tapered roller bearing kits are actually available in both styles, with or without seals. Or bearings and seals are also sold separately in some cases. Always install roller bearings to upgrade OEM ball bearings?

Author:  Ja-Moo [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

rusty34 wrote:
Looks like the tapered roller bearing kits are actually available in both styles, with or without seals. Or bearings and seals are also sold separately in some cases. Always install roller bearings to upgrade OEM ball bearings?



Rollers are much better and longer lasting. That's just a given when I build a bikes.

Author:  BarryB [ Mon Aug 27, 2012 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: H2B Steering Head Bearings Question

I got mine from Larry, about 40 bucks with shipping - he's great to deal with.

I remember some discussion about tapers and bottom dust cover but I don't see a cover in the fiche. Actually I don't see the top one either but I have one on my H2. I don't remember what's on the bottom tree but I have something there feels rubbery like a seal I would have put on or something - I just don't remember - but I do like the tapers. The ball bearings were always a PITA anyway.

The one thing that changed with tapers was extra length the stem takes and leave a small gap on the fork ears - just enough to make them loose. Lots of ways around that, I think some folks used 30mm rubber washers and such to fill it in. I did the Ace Hardware thing and found a 30mm rubber washer in the plumbing section - did the trick for .45 cents :thumbup:

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