The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Bill Conquest on October 02, 2008, 02:31:49 AM

Title: steering head bearings
Post by: Bill Conquest on October 02, 2008, 02:31:49 AM

Hi - I'm planning to replace the steering head bearings on my '75 r-60 and am wondering if I need any special tools to remove the old bearings. Also any words of wisdom about the process would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, bill conquest

Title: Re: steering head bearings
Post by: nhmaf on October 02, 2008, 08:42:42 AM

I *think* that one can generally do this without special tools for the most part, though the trickiest part of the job can be removing the outer races.   I think that one could fabricate a head bearing/race puller from parts in a local hardware shop, but I've noticed that these guys on fleabay make a number of useful little tools. They
are kinda pricey for what they are, though - I guess some consider that the price of convenience:


http://tinyurl.com/HB-Puller

Title: Re: steering head bearings
Post by: Justin B. on October 02, 2008, 09:01:47 AM

Although I have never used this method the general consensus for "ease of removal" is to use a MIG and put a bead around the face of the race and it will practically fall out.  Of course, if you don't have access to a MIG welder then ignore...

Title: Re: steering head bearings
Post by: steve hawkins on October 02, 2008, 10:04:54 AM

The issue is that you have no purchase (no lip)on the outer bearing face to use a conventional puller.  So the mig welder business is one of the options open to you.

The other tip I got from Motobins in the UK was to drill to the underside of the bearing seat from the outside and drift the outer races out - two holes for each bearing drilled 180 degrees apart, either side of the head stock, one pair for the top race and the other for the bottom race.  Once done, you can use them again and again - not that you should need to unless you have a pressure washer and a mean streak.  Drill diameter only needs to be 5 mm or less and then you will need a needle nosed drift and a hammer.  I have done this successfully on my cafe racer as I did not have access to a welder or the special tool.  

Did it on my bike in 2001.

Before anyone suggests it - you will not weaken your head stock.

Cheers

Steve H

Title: Re: steering head bearings
Post by: Bill Conquest on October 03, 2008, 01:40:03 AM

Thanks for the ideas, think i'll just get the cycle works tool & go for it!
bill conquest

Title: Re: steering head bearings
Post by: drewboid on October 06, 2008, 11:18:11 AM

good choice - the Ed Korn / cycle works tool works and makes the job easy.