| Author | Message | ||
     Dudeman |
Having purchased a used 99 X1 I have a concern about the conditions of the fork stem bearings. One peculiarity I've had since purchasing the bike is that the steering has a sort of 'notched' desire to stay pointing forward. Which is fine, but a bit disconcerting as there's a slight resistance feel in turning L/R. No big deal when leaning... but weird at slowest speed. So my question is, is this a feature  or are my bearings requiring attention? It doesn't really bother me as it keeps the fork stable and pointing forwards, but if the bearings/races are shot I do want to change them. Any feedback is appreciated. | ||
| Bandm |
Sounds like Brinelling. One too many hard landings? Replace the bearings, notched is not good. Mark | ||
| Dudeman |
Ouch, that's harsh. Anyone have any tips on stem bearings - i.e., cross-referenced bearings & races. Thanks! | ||
| Firemanjim |
Pull them off and go to bearing supply place,they will have good low cost replacements for you. | ||
| Bandm |
Sealed Steering Head Bearings Click this link to Knowledge Vault thread for part numbers, sources, prices, removal and installation tips, pictures, and all things bearings. Mark (Message edited by BandM on April 25, 2005) | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
Bring the bearing to your local bearing shop. they should be able to find a match. Maybe before that you can call a dealer and get the name and numbers off a new bearing. Buying from the bearing shop should be alot cheaper. | ||
| 2brdy |
hi, bearing #s from 98 S3 are L44643 bearing and L44610 race, can be bought as a set at some auto stores or at local bearing store. | ||
| Bomber |
while you've got the poor dear apart, drill and tap a 1/4 X 28 hole, and pop in a zerk fitting -- your (unsealed) bearings will last much longer with freach grease every oil change or so | ||
| Dudeman |
Lots of excellent tips. The zerk fitting is a great plan... what would be best placement? | ||
| Road_thing |
Bomber, how much grease does it take to fill the steering head the first time you grease it? Have you had any issues with grease weeping out through the bottom bearing? It gets hot down here, I could envision a steady drip from the steering head during the summer. rt | ||
| Bomber |
Dude -- I put mine on the side opposite the fork lock -- of course, for the first time in my life, I was smart and marked the place while the bike was together, making sure I could reach it with the grease gun (auto tool, not .45 machine pistol) Thang took a bunch, bout half a canister (I've got one of those little grease guns, bout 12/13 inches long) . . .. I've made this mod to most every bike I've ever owned (hence marking B4 disassembly, my motto is to make a NEW mistake every day), and never had issues with dripping (er, grease outa the headstock, that is) . . .. make a mess when you grease it up, as it oozes outa past the dust shield, but that cleans up easily . . . . very faint film on the outside of the dust shield after very warm weather -- I use Hi-temp wheel bearig grease, which may or may not alter the ooze factor | ||
| S2pengy |
I have done the same with my S2's both steering neck and swingarm... Yes, you get some come out around the lower end with usage but not enough that a wipe now and then doesn't clean up. I use water proof grease.... | ||
| Dudeman |
Well, didn't take much looking around to find the bearings. These are typical 1" bearings that many trailer wheels use. Found them at Rural King for about $15 a pair (a kit that includes a couple extra trailer items). I've heard they also have them at Wallyworld... |
