front end problems

well crap, now that i have over 52,000 miles on the odometer, and noticing some wierd rattling and clunking in the front end, it seems that i've diagnosed everything down to a failing steering stem bearing.

at this point, im looking to figure out where i can find a real good quality replacement bearing (ive read that the ball bearing design thats more commonly used isnt all that great and a roller bearing design is far more durable, but i dont know if a roller style steering stem bearing is even available for our bikes).

next, i need to figure out how the heck to do this job. if anybody has experience replacing this bearing, im all ears at this point, as it really looks like im about to have to jump into this job...

 

I did a set last year and I think the brand was All Balls. Not A tough job, remove wheel, forks, upper and then lower triple clamp and remove races and assemble. 4-5 beer job. I would suggest not riding it until repaired as it can cause frame damage if loose enough.The top of the frame above the bearing will get torn up.

 

My suggestion is to order OEM bearings from Honda, along with new wheel bearings too.

Avoid the "AllBalls" brand if you prefer quality over low price.

Use search feature here as someone posted a really excellent pictorial step-by-step steering bearing reploacement thread semi-recently.

 

Why thank you kind sir Here's a step-by-step on replacing steering stem bearings. http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanic...s-replacment-joey_dude-method-read-cheap.html

Even though this is for the 5th gen VFR you can use a lot of the concepts illustrated.

 

I have the ALL BALLS bearings in mine and have had no issues. I got the tapered roller bearings.

and yes Squirrel I understand your reservations.

 

I always go for factory bearings and not after market .....but not on this one....the factory upper race is very short , thin and prone to cracking and can cause damage to the portion of the frame where it sits and wears into it . The taper cup is twice the height ,providing a much better mounting surface and is way less likely to crack or split.

 

+1 ALL BALLS - best around. Mr. Squirrel's claims are based on bias against china as opposed to real data.

 

OH, yes, it's based upon prejudice against broken, inferior, useless Chinese (Communist) tools i've bought that last twice b4 falling apart.

Some photos are here of "Harbor Freight" broken crap.

 

^^^^
nice, so predictable

 

Predictable= consistant, not a bad thing.

If you want to cheap out it's fine , just don't claim that you'll get best quality at the lowest price.

 

what part number were the roller bearings? OEM would be nice, but OEM are still the ball type bearings that are known for such wear issues. I'd really like to find a roller style bearing that will fit the steering stem if there's one available.

 

All Balls Products

according to the site (for an 87 VFR 700) you are looking at:

 

sweet!!! and after checkin the site, theyre the roller style bearings too! parts bought and hopefully will be shipped & on the way soon!

 

glad we can help! I did mine 3 years ago and have enjoyed every mile since!

 

Hey beta:

I need to make this public record.

Ya see, S-man never bothered me on when I switched out my bearings becasue I bought some nice German made ones from Thurn Motorsports some time ago.

But if your "All Balls" ones fail I am never going to let you live it down...LOL!

(p.s. for those of you who don't know, betarace and I are friends and normally make jests at one another both on and off VFRW).

BZ

 

feel free. My stockers lasted exactly 3,783 miles and were toasted from track use. The AB replacements have already done 3x that. If they do fail, I will spend the $33 and get a new set. Boo hoo.

 

The reality of your choice in bearings is they say "Balls" on the package!

BZ

 

Some balls are held for charity
And some for fancy dress
But when they're held for pleasure
They're the balls that I like best
My balls are always bouncing
To the left and to the right
It's my belief that my big balls
Should be held every night