Took the whole front end apart to service fork tubes and steering head bearings and it turns out the races (cups) are not in the best shape. I understand that H-D bearing/race kit (48300-60) crosses to timken L44643/L44610 (Timken Set14). I have a tool to remove the old races, but I hate to spend $60 on the install tool (presses top and bottom in at the same time) for a one time use. Anyone use a standard automotive race tool to tap them in one at a time?

 

We use one similar to this.

http://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0550

 

Just use the old bearing race.

 

that's the harder half of the job without the "tool"


easy half of job

 

Because the handle bars are still kind of in the way, I think I am going to take two of those circular race mandrels that are used to tap them in and take a threaded rod and then press them in simultaneously that way.

 

Yep ... this will work too. Just remember to install the race that you're using to drive the permanent race in the with the taper facing the same way ( into the neck ) or it'll be hell to get it out.

 

There is a special tool to put in a race?
No need to get fancy, just tap it in.
Put a 2x4 over it and hit it with a hammer. Once it's flush, you could probably put it all back together and tighten the big nut to seat it the rest of the way.

 

You're stating the obvious from an ( probably ) experienced view. Remember that those who ask questions are looking for knowledge/support/suggestions ... and the best time to ask is BEFORE they screw something up.

 

We learn from mistakes, it better to learn from other people's mistakes so we don't have to make them ourselves.
I don't mind sharing my opinions and experience.
I just put in a head bearing race for the first time not too long ago. I didn't know if it would work to seat it by tightening up the nut while it was still a ways out but it did. Now I'm waiting for someone to tell me what an idiot I am for doing that, and that I should use the right tool for the job, and if I can't do it right myself I should take it to a reputable mechanic.
I thought I was giving knowledge/support/suggestions, I didn't mean to sound like a jerk.

 

Let me ask another inexperienced question - does it really matter what you lube the OD of the race with before tapping it in? Clean motor oil? Anti-seize? Grease? Torco assembly lube? Tri-flow? Breakfree CLP?