Replacement Steering Head Bearings

[Madmax]

At my 36K service I got an advisory for imminent steering head bearings replacement. Seems short of kilometers to be having to replace them but the Brake tech ductile iron disks and Brembo gear give me superlative braking. I noted that the '08 has a strengthened steering head to off-set the radial mounted front brakes.
Looks like it was a good move for the '08.
I'm sure the older models have replaced their's a couple of times. I remember reading a thread on this several years ago.
Are the standard head bearings rollers or balls? Are rollers available as a replacement?
I'll do this job myself so are their any little surprises likely to manifest themselves after I get the whole front end taken down
After market bearings, any suggestions from the original ('99) gurus?

I've been noticing her handling with a bit of a hinge in her lately.


Thanks guys.



Max

[Volvi]

when the front wheel is off the ground, move steering left to right a few times and feel if theres a 'groove' (slightest resistance) in the centre stage of steering. That the bearing worn. I changed mine when upgrading my front forks with a Suzuki OEM, unsure whether to trust anything else.

[Madmax]

when the front wheel is off the ground, move steering left to right a few times and feel if theres a 'groove' (slightest resistance) in the centre stage of steering. That the bearing worn. I changed mine when upgrading my front forks with a Suzuki OEM, unsure whether to trust anything else.

Thanks Volvi.



Max

[Gnarbunkle99]

At my 36K service I got an advisory for imminent steering head bearings replacement. Seems short of kilometers to be having to replace them but the Brake tech ductile iron disks and Brembo gear give me superlative braking. I noted that the '08 has a strengthened steering head to off-set the radial mounted front brakes.
Looks like it was a good move for the '08.
I'm sure the older models have replaced their's a couple of times. I remember reading a thread on this several years ago.
Are the standard head bearings rollers or balls? Are rollers available as a replacement?
I'll do this job myself so are their any little surprises likely to manifest themselves after I get the whole front end taken down
After market bearings, any suggestions from the original ('99) gurus?

I've been noticing her handling with a bit of a hinge in her lately.


Thanks guys.



Max

My experience with head bearings on other bikes is that OEM is a cheap ball bearing, aftermarket part shops or bearing suppliers will be able to get a superior taper roller bearing that wont brinell the races on the first heavy wheelie landing. It can end up being a nightmare trying to get that lower inner race off the yoke so be warned if you havn't got the tools or experience then have a garage nearby, or a stuck lower race may just ruin your day.

[Madmax]

[quote=Madmax]

I have a number of rather large hammers and cold chisels that will aid the removal of said emcumbrances.

The tapered roller bearings sound great. I w3onder if such a combination is actually available for the Busa. Anyone know if there is?


Cheers



Max

[RaZ]

My experience with head bearings on other bikes is that OEM is a cheap ball bearing, aftermarket part shops or bearing suppliers will be able to get a superior taper roller bearing that wont brinell the races on the first heavy wheelie landing.

Agree 100% - I went those same bearings as I just had mine replaced before the track day.

[Maj]

32006jrrs KOYO, is what i used last week
Generally wreck the lower seal removing the old seat, new bearing has a seal inclusive
remove the seal from the upper replacement bearing and fit the original or you will need to find a washer to space the top chrome cover from the headstock.

[busakid08]

I replaced my ZX10 with sealed rollers - massive difference worth the extra $$

[Madmax]

32006jrrs KOYO, is what i used last week
Generally wreck the lower seal removing the old seat, new bearing has a seal inclusive
remove the seal from the upper replacement bearing and fit the original or you will need to find a washer to space the top chrome cover from the headstock.

Got a set of tapered rollers today from the local Spewzuki shop. $41 for the pair so no dramas with price. Had a look in the manual for replacement and am a little concerned with installing the inner races without the designated special tool, especially with an aluminium head. Rang the shop, they have brass special tool for winding them in. Quoted me two hours labor. having second thoughts about doing it myself now Don't wanna bend anything.


Max

[Bill Gaheer]

There are few ways in which you can actually fit the bearing without the use of a hammer or special tool - the issue would be to get the old one out......fitting new is easy.

The biggest advantage with taper roller is that the outer ring is indenpendent - hence fitting is easyer then removal.

Bill

[busakid08]

Fitting new ones easy - I just took my time and tapped them in with a piece of wood and rubber hammer - that was on a new frame, no issues - 2 hours is a ripoff! Just be careful removing the old ones you dont damage the surface - its not hard just take your time.

I am having the same learning experiance with my ECU fitting a Motty - have learnt patience is most impotance and dont force anything, there is always a simple way if you take your time and take notice what is going on as you go.

[spamanglenn]

from what i,ve heard roller bearings are best for front end feel,needle rollers spread there load over a greater surface area so they last longer but reduce feel,i,m told.

[busakid08]

If you can feel the differnce that much you should talk to Casey lol

[Madmax]

from what i,ve heard roller bearings are best for front end feel,needle rollers spread there load over a greater surface area so they last longer but reduce feel,i,m told.

Hopefully they will last longer than the originals did.


Thanks for the advice guys, really do appreciate it.



Max -

[Gnarbunkle99]

Let us know how the procedure goes, I should be doing mine shortly.