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Do I need to change my stearing bearings, AT RD07 Do I need to change my stearing bearings, AT RD07
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The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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Do I need to change my stearing bearings, AT RD07
I am just wondering if this is how it should be. When I lift the front wheel up from the ground and turn the stearing bar, it is like I feel a uneveness when it is near center. And if I let go of the bar, it centers by itself. Is this normal, or does the bearings need to be changed? I haven't experienced this on my other bikes, so I am not sure if this is normal.
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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That definitely sounds like steering bearings. The balls create an indentation in the bearing race in the straight ahead position, because this is where you're pointed when going over most bumps and corrugations. It will gradually get worse and eventually become more difficult to ride in a straight line. Therefore, I think they are worth replacing at a convenient time.
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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thought so. are they alike both up and down? and are they often sold in pairs? Find little info about it.

Do anyone know if there is a part map somewhere on the internet for the bike?
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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sets
they are normally sold in sets/kit, unless you go to a bearing specialist where you can buy them seperate. it's best to change all the bearings at the same time, i'm not sure if they're same top and bottom but i dont think so. cant help on parts map sorry.
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Old 7 Feb 2010
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Before you strip anything down, you will need to buy the lower dust seal which sits underneath the bearing race on the fork steerer.

It's almost impossible to remove the lower bearing race off the forks without destroying it, unless you have a specialised bearing puller.

Most of us use the "haynes" technique of slowly prizing the race off using screwdrivers etc which will ruin the dust seal.

It's only a few quid anyway.
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Old 8 Feb 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lonelybiker View Post
I am just wondering if this is how it should be. When I lift the front wheel up from the ground and turn the stearing bar, it is like I feel a uneveness when it is near center. And if I let go of the bar, it centers by itself. Is this normal, or does the bearings need to be changed? I haven't experienced this on my other bikes, so I am not sure if this is normal.
i had the same problem. then i bought a set of 'tapered' type bearing in australia. i took out the steering head and observed the balls. there wasnt any problem with it. so i grease it and put it back. while putting it back, all the balls fell of from the plastic and i had to replace with the new bearings that i bought. so.... the lower bearings: im using the ball type. the uppder bearings, im using the tapered type. dont know how long it will last.
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Old 8 Feb 2010
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Quote:
Before you strip anything down, you will need to buy the lower dust seal which sits underneath the bearing race on the fork steerer.

It's almost impossible to remove the lower bearing race off the forks without destroying it, unless you have a specialised bearing puller.

Most of us use the "haynes" technique of slowly prizing the race off using screwdrivers etc which will ruin the dust seal.

It's only a few quid anyway.
Do you know the part number? or can you post a link from Honda Motorcycle Parts, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha Motorcycle Parts - ATV, Classic Bike, Dirt Bike Parts
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Old 8 Feb 2010
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Sorry, I don't know the part number.
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Old 19 Feb 2010
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Try Wemoto for your head bearings lonelybiker. This set includes the top and bottom seals. Loads of Africa Twin information (and quite a few of your countrymen) over at XRV.Org.uk. Come on, and you won't be lonely anymore!
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