xj750 steering wobble. What must I do??

Hi so this was an old post that i neglected till now, summers coming and i want to fix it. I have an xj750rj and I've had a pretty noticeable wobble in my front end, especially around turns and corners. Turning from a complete stop is pretty unstable too. I've checked the front end and the axle and made sure everything is tight. I've read on other sites that it could be a bad steering stem bearing? Is it possible totighten that up or should I replace them? I want to order the parts to fix this thing I just have no idea what to order. ITs an old bike so I have no problem rebuilding old parts ofif it needs it. Thanks

 

Given that the bearings are old (and likely worn), and the process to inspect, clean, and repack the head bearings is the same as replacement.......replace the bearings with a new set of roller bearings. Chacal has them, and they are also available through other vendors if you feel the need to spend your money locally. There are threads about replacing the bearings.

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-request-steering-head-bearings.25675/

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/upgrade-steering-head-bearings-im-stuck.10920/

Check the swingarm bearings as well. Worn or loose swingarm bearings will also induce a wobble.

BTW: Stop riding it until you get the problem solved.

 

Most likely, the steering stem bearings.

Otherwise, check the condition of your tire....a worn front tire that has been worn to a "V" from lots of riding will get very unstable, too.

If those check out, then like others have said, next would be to look at the swingarm bearings.

In the meantime, just so you don't leave any stone unturned......check your front axle and bearings, check your tire inflation, check your rear axle and bearings, check your rear tire inflation, check your rear tire wear.

Dave Fox

 

I think the only thing that wasnt mentioned above was check your engine mounts.

Most important thing is DONT RIDE UNTIL IT IS FIXED

 

Not sure that engine mounts would affect steering......

 

Dave.... Dont you remember this phone call we had???? My engine mounts were loose, it was the source of mine...

 

On my previous XJ, at purchase, the front oscillated horribly. I replaced the old, very badly cupped front tire and it was 90% solved, but still a little funk up front. Next, I looked into the steering bearings and found conspicuous pitting of the races. I replaced them with the All Balls tapered kit and all was good. So, be ready for it being a couple of things on such an old bike. Good luck.

 

I guess vaguely it's coming back to me ....

 

Ah HA! Dave doesn't know everything about XJs!

 

Another thing that can cause wobble like that is an imbalance in your fork oil. If one side is low on oil, it will damp less than the other.

I guess I recall the conversation, John, cuz we had talked about possible frame flex/weak frame, engine rotation/counter-rotation, solid frame vs. frame with removeable section-- ie: XJ700 where the removable section's bolts could loosen to cause flex, etc..... Still, that was a couple years ago, and it's still the only bike I've ever come across that had the being the root of the problem. Anyway, yes....that would be something to at least check on.

Dave Fox

 

Last but no means least, check wheel balance. Should be automatic if having a new Tyre fitted .

 

Thanks, going online tonight and ordering parts

 

so heres a kit I found online on bike bandit, I could not find OEM bearings. Is All Balls okay for that kind of stuff?

http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermark...otorcycle-steering-stem-bearing-kits?m=147099

 

The All Balls kit is what many people use. Chacal also carries tapered repacement head bearings, and the OEM ball bearings and races. Start a conversation with him.

 

Oh ok will do. So Chacal is a user on here, thought it was a shop

 

Both.

 

Gotcha. I couldn't find the website

 

There is a flashing "sign" at the upper right corner of every forum page. Click it to see the catalog.

 

That reminds of an accident when I was teaching in NJ.....local town had repainted all their trucks a flourescent lime yellow/green color. Shortly after, a lady got her car obliterated when she pulled right out in front of an oncoming firetruck on the way to a fire scene. She lambasted to fire company in the paper for not being observant. A day or two later, the fire chief responded by pointing out that it was she who was not being observant of " a huge bright greenish/yellow fire truck with horns blaring, headlights flashing, red lights flashing all over it, and all the other cars moving out of the way"...... LOL, anyway, this just reminded me of that.

Carry on,

dave

 

Question. Do I need any special tools to do this bearing job?? Or just regular garage tools. I know changing fork seals required some fancy tool no one has, but i managed to use a piece of pipe just fine. Just want to make sure i have everything i need to do this. Lubes, sealant, tools, etc

 

Hammer and a drift/or long punch/screwdriver

 

There is a special tool for the head nuts, but a brass drift and a hammer work just fine on them. Some people have made their own tool from an inexpensive socket by taking a die grinder to it.

 

removed dupe

 

Where do I actually order these parts?