Bob750 wrote:You may have figured this out already, but one thing that early on confused me a bit was that the Illustrated Parts Manual shows all of the steering bearing components, but on two different, non-sequential, assemblies (Front Fork/Front Fender AND Frame Body). I acquired all new races from 2 or 3 different sources and new ball bearings from a member.
primer63 wrote:
1) Did the '61 steering stems have roller bearings top AND bottom, and are they press fit? I realize this may be a dumb question, but if this is the case, then I am missing the '61 bearings and the '65 steering seems to be set up a little differently.
Bob, could you sketch out what you are describing here and post a picture of your sketch. I am traveling on business and all I have to look at is what's in the illustrated manual. I have the races and I believe I have all the ball bearings I need that are in good shape. It's the order of assembly that has me bumfuzzled.
If I'm not mistaken, the lower stem has the curved race on the stem. The bottom of the frame steering tube has the collar (not sure if this is the right term) in it. So, I put 19 ball bearings in the collar held in by grease and slide the steering stem upward into the frame tube. Three parts bottom to top.....race, bearings, collar?
On the top assembly, do any of the steering damper parts intermingle with the order of the top bearings and races. I don't think it does. The shade tree engineer in me says no but, this is my first reassembly and I'm not confident in my assumption. I'll try and sketch out myself and see if I can show what I am talking about.
Trust, but verify. -Ronald Reagan
1970 CT70, 1979 CB550
1999 ZG1000 Concours
1961 Dream Sport, 1965 Dream Touring
1997 BMW R1100RT