Stuck Pushrod Tubes etc

[Adrian]

Hi can anyone tell me how to remove the bearing, the pushrod tubes and off course the bearing races from the steering neck. I'm hoping to do a lot of this kind of stuff myself and save a lot of money on the rebuild so any advice is most welcome - thanks ....

[Julio A.]

You need to heat the cylinder to remover the pushrod tubes.
As for the steering race, I got no idea.  

[montmil]

I have replaced all the steering head bearings and races on my '83 R65. It is an onerous task without the proper tooling.

There are several ideas floating about on the web. Some "ideas" include drilling holes in the frame neck and trying to use a drift to knock out the pressed in outer races. Others advise using a small grinder to split the out race and then extract it. More ideas involve an arc welded but I ain't going there. Check Snowbum's site for some tips.

My solution was to purchase the Steering Head Bearing Puller Set from Dan at CycleWorks.

http://www.cycleworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=29_33_50

I do realize you are Down Under, Adrian, but these tools can save your sanity and, in the long view, a bunch of money.

Snowbum also has a lengthy dissertation on the push rod tubes. The refit can be easily bodged if the alignment is not correct.

Do your due diligence in researching. Take your time and do not rush either project. You will do fine.

[tvrla]

Measure the distance of the pushrod tubes - they don't have a stop to prevent their being pressed in farther. You don't want them too short - or too long either.

I've been fortunate so far in not having to replace the lower steering head bearing. Looks good - I leave it!

The lower tree comes off pretty easily when heated to 250F - it's an interference fit. But watch alignment of the steering lock cut-out when re-installing.

[montmil]

While you're buying parts, Adrian, note that there's a grease/dust shield under the lower bearing's inner race. It's thin metal that will probably be damaged or destroyed while extracting the bearing. May need to add that item to your grocery list.


1983 R65: Outer race on the left is from the top bearing. Badly brinelled it was. Created a notchy feeling to the steering. Lower outer race on right is also worn as were both bearing's rollers. Bearings are not expensive. The replacement job itself is a rather labor intensive effort as so much of the front end must be removed. My feeling is that possibly having to do the job a second time... well, that just bites. Replacing both bearings provides mucho peace of mind.

[Adrian]

Okay thank you for all your advice - I'll go check out the sites you recommend Mont - after 15 years of use I'm definitely NOT putting the originals back in........

[Adrian]

Hi Mont - jut wanted to say thank you for your links to Smowbum and cycleworks - both have been very useful to me ......

[Justin B.]

I used the mig method and after running a bead around the surface of the race they pretty much fell out!

[Adrian]

Thanks Justin - mine have gone very rusty so I might have to get my local shop to pull them amnd replace tehm with new ones - thats probable my best bet with these - I'm trying to do most things myself to save money. Oh well - onward and upward as they say