Headset bearing change - upper race - houston we have a problem

[PFD023]

2007 with 90,000kms with vibration when coming off throttle in handlbars. Headset bearings were never touched before and looked pretty good when I took them out. Upper race came out the usual way a race does but am more than concerned with what these photos are showing. Not much material for the new race to sit on.

 

[ST Gui]

WOW! What does that removed race look like?! That oblong shape from 12 to 6 o'clock isn't factory I take it. I've only changed the steering head bearings in my GL. The upper race was dimpled from the loose bearings and the bottom race cracked. But no wear even close to that shown in the pic (if that is wear).

 

[Paul]

The race sits at the bottom of the bore, not on the first step. That is leftover material after machining the bearing location. Castings are rarely perfect. Note at 7 oclock the transfer of the old race information.

There is a bit of metal shaving rolled up in the bottom of the bore that should be cleaned up before driving the new race.

 

[ST1100Y]

That oblong shape from 12 to 6 o'clock isn't factory I take it.

Machined on purpose, otherwise you wouldn't be able to drive the old bearing race out that steering head...

There is a bit of metal shaving rolled up in the bottom of the bore that should be cleaned up before driving the new race.

Yep... keep those bearing seats sterile...
Hope you have appropriate drivers avail...



As mentioned, carefully clean the seats with a lint free rag, apply a slight smear of marine grease and drive the races in evenly...
observe that the sound of the swift but hard hammer strokes change from a dull thump to a bright ring, indicating the race "is home"...

Also the steering stem needs to be perfectly clean and slightly greased, but most important: DON'T FORGET THE DUST SEAL PLATE...

The original Honda tool/driver comes very handy though:



and yes, I also did head bearings of a friend's ST1300; a breeze with proper tools around...