Steering Head Race Installation
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 837
Likes: 35
From: Northern California
Steering Head Race Installation
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?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
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From: MA
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,174
Likes: 2,480
From: Nor Cal
that's the harder half of the job without the "tool"
easy half of job
Anyone use a standard automotive race tool to tap them in one at a time?
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 837
Likes: 35
From: Northern California
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,321
Likes: 56,883
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 706
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From: Alaska
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.
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.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 706
Likes: 28
From: Alaska
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.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 837
Likes: 35
From: Northern California
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?