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steering head bearings?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by NJRIDER1, Dec 19, 2009.

  1. NJRIDER1

    NJRIDER1 Member

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    on my '83 xj750 seca with the front wheel of the ground i notice the handle bars seem to have a little resistance that wants to keep the wheel straight it can easily be overcome and the bars turned left or right. is it normal for the bars to want to stay straight? as if theres a centering bearing or something or are my bearings messed up? thnx NJrider
     
    NJRIDER1, Dec 19, 2009
    #1
  2. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Bearings are messed up. You've got little pits in the races that the balls are hanging up in. Time for new bearings.

    I believe Chacal sells the tapered roller bearing conversion. Much easier to install than the stock bearings with 4 races and 38 little balls to keep in while you assemble.
     
    MiCarl, Dec 19, 2009
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  3. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    That's one of my Winter Projects.

    Headset Bearings on the 900.
    Not motivated yet.
    Too much snow and cold.
     
    RickCoMatic, Dec 19, 2009
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  4. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    That's my problem too. Putz with other stuff all winter because there is plenty of time. Then the sun gets warm and I have to scramble. :lol:
     
    MiCarl, Dec 19, 2009
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  5. NJRIDER1

    NJRIDER1 Member

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    i thought maybe it was designed that way because it's so perfectly centered but i guess bearings will go on my wish list too...thnx NJrider
     
    NJRIDER1, Dec 19, 2009
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  6. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    It's perfectly centered because while riding the steering is perfectly centered. If the bearing is loose every bump hammers the little balls into the race. Then you get that detent you feel.
     
    MiCarl, Dec 19, 2009
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  7. streetbrawler750

    streetbrawler750 Member

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    Got the same problem. wondered what was up with that.
     
    streetbrawler750, Dec 20, 2009
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  8. gitbox

    gitbox Member

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    My '81 XJ650 had that same detent feeling when I bought it. I thought it handled fairly well but when I put the new tapered bearings in, there was a HUGE improvement in handling. Very recommended! Wasn't all that hard either.
     
    gitbox, Dec 22, 2009
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