Head Bearing help needed

Hi,
I'm installing new tapered bearing "all balls"
There's a space under the lower bearing. Is this normal?
Help.

 

It is hard to tell in the pic, but it looks like you did not drive off the lower bearing race. Did you drive the race off? If so, where is the lower bearing seal?

 

Why would you put balls back in there ?

 

Ya I was able to get the lower race off. The seal is there its under the lower bearing.
Wiz.
Im installing roller bearing made by "all balls"
Im kicking my self that i didn't just get them from Chacal.

Do i need to knock the lower tree on to the bearing just like I had to knock it on the the shaft?

 

I got a laugh from that.
Can you get any movement if you really tighten the head bolt down ?

 

Well No not now. I was trying to figure out what I did wrong and I destroyed the lower bearing. I just sent Chacal a PM for the correct set. Like I said before, buy them from Len. But to answer your question. I tighten them up as tight as I could, very little movement and still not seated collectedly. Let me get a pic of what I have now and Ill ask an other question.. brb.

 

Sorry,
Is this the bottom or does this need to come off first?

 

That looks like a seal & should come off, lets get some other opinions.

 

been awhile since i looked at one but are you sure that's a separate piece? and not a machined part of the lower tree?

 

There should have been a dust seal under the original bearing race. It looks to me that the collar seated just above the lower tree is the inner part of that dust seal. There should not be any reason for a stop collar on the steering stem as it is a press fit, and welded for retention.

If you can see a clear parting line between it, and the steering stem. Remove it just like you did with the lower race.

Ghost

 

Just checked mine.
The neck comes down to the top of the tree.
It covers that black piece on top in your photo.
The bearing seats at the bottom of the shaft.
So I agree with MiGhost Black piece should come off.
I used a brass drift to seat my lower bearing.
Just go easy and evenly.

 

It appears that the stem needs to be dressed before you put the new bearings in. Just use some sandpaper to smooth it out.

 

Ok, I don't think that needs to come off. I just looked at mine, and before the new bearings, it looks the same.


Pic of the lower tree/stem after the original lower race and seal were removed.


The fit of the new roller bearing I got from Chacal.

I suspect that either 1, the top race for the roller bearing was not completely seated in the head tube, or 2, the kit from All Balls just isn't a good fit. Earlier you posted that you buggered up the lower bearing and were going to get them from Chacal, so hopefully the new bearing will fit properly for you. Keep us posted.

 

If you freeze the lower tree and heat the lower bearing pack in the oven at 200 for about 30 minutes, you can just drop the bearing pack down the shaft and it will seat itself at the bottom of the shaft. Then just pack it with grease. Nothing hitting the bearing pack trying to push it down. I stuck the lower tree in the freezer overnight before doing this. Worked great. Make sure to install the dust seal before you drop on the bearing pack.

 

Hello,
Ok. All back together.
The first off the shelf roller bearing set I ordered was not the correct ones.
I called "All Balls" and talked to Alex. He said he worked with a nice guy(Len) from XJ4ever and came up with a better set for the XJ's.
I should have listened to the people here and just ordered them from Len.
Live and learn. All that aside. HOLY CRAP! That was some job.
The actual replacement of the bearing was easy it was getting to and returning it that was the part that toke the most time. All and all it was worth it. It rides like a new bike. Can't wait to update the front shocks but that can wait for the winter. Thanks for all the help.

 

Good to hear.

 

Replacing the fork springs and oil is SUPER easy! I did them
At the same time that I did the head tube bearings.