Costly Job?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
To pull a bearing and install a new one, you need the proper tools... but with them it is pretty straightforward. Georges-Garage.com has good bearing tools that are not expensive compared to JIMS, etc. I have their cam bearing puller and installer tools, and they worked flawlessly when I swapper out Bertha's cam last december.
I've done a lot of things to Bertha, and I didn't have any Harley experience until I got her. I had worked on Asian bikes quite a bit, but not on Harleys. It's not difficult if you have a mechanical aptitude AND the proper tools. The tools aren't cheap, but neither is a good mechanic's time.
Get a Genuine H-D Service manual, and a Genuine H-D Parts Catalog for your year and model. I also have a Clymer manual, which is good because it has a LOT more pictures in it that can guide you.
And take you time! Read the manuals several times before you start the R&R operation.
I've done a lot of things to Bertha, and I didn't have any Harley experience until I got her. I had worked on Asian bikes quite a bit, but not on Harleys. It's not difficult if you have a mechanical aptitude AND the proper tools. The tools aren't cheap, but neither is a good mechanic's time.
Get a Genuine H-D Service manual, and a Genuine H-D Parts Catalog for your year and model. I also have a Clymer manual, which is good because it has a LOT more pictures in it that can guide you.
And take you time! Read the manuals several times before you start the R&R operation.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Scotland,UK
91 evo Ultra Steering Head Bearings?
Hi N.G.Hawg, Have you any experience of changing Steering Head Bearings?
I dismantled front fairing today to have a look at Head stock nut with a view to adjusting (tightening). There is a little play/movement when "shaking" the front forks with the rear end on the ground. Adjusting looks fairly straight forward as the large Nut at the top is easily accessed. Is it fairly straightforward to drop forks and replace top & bottom steering head bearings? Any response much appreciated. Bungo
I dismantled front fairing today to have a look at Head stock nut with a view to adjusting (tightening). There is a little play/movement when "shaking" the front forks with the rear end on the ground. Adjusting looks fairly straight forward as the large Nut at the top is easily accessed. Is it fairly straightforward to drop forks and replace top & bottom steering head bearings? Any response much appreciated. Bungo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
And the further away from home you travel, the better that feeling after you get back home.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Hi N.G.Hawg, Have you any experience of changing Steering Head Bearings?
I dismantled front fairing today to have a look at Head stock nut with a view to adjusting (tightening). There is a little play/movement when "shaking" the front forks with the rear end on the ground. Adjusting looks fairly straight forward as the large Nut at the top is easily accessed. Is it fairly straightforward to drop forks and replace top & bottom steering head bearings? Any response much appreciated. Bungo
I dismantled front fairing today to have a look at Head stock nut with a view to adjusting (tightening). There is a little play/movement when "shaking" the front forks with the rear end on the ground. Adjusting looks fairly straight forward as the large Nut at the top is easily accessed. Is it fairly straightforward to drop forks and replace top & bottom steering head bearings? Any response much appreciated. Bungo
Maybe someone else will chime in about this...
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Scotland,UK
91 evo Steering Head Bearings
Hi Hawg,yes I have the grease nipple on the Steering Head. With the bike showing 50k+ Im sure that the Bearings have never been changed and perhaps "nows the time". The official Harley Manual gives details of the strip down but I will need to read then again as it doesnt appear to be as straightforward as I first thought. I suppose the Bearings can be tapped out as they are not going to be used again. I managed to buy a new 1.7/16" Spanner/Key from a local Tool Stores "bargain box" for $4.50,which is a good deal. Im sure you have to use an open ended Spanner/Key as there doesnt appear to be space to get into the H.Stock Nut from the top with a Socket or Ring Key without further stripping of inner fairng,radio,wiring parts etc. etc.
Will post a couple of pics.of what H.Stock and surrounding things look like,if anyone is interested. Bungo.
Will post a couple of pics.of what H.Stock and surrounding things look like,if anyone is interested. Bungo.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Hi Hawg,yes I have the grease nipple on the Steering Head. With the bike showing 50k+ Im sure that the Bearings have never been changed and perhaps "nows the time". The official Harley Manual gives details of the strip down but I will need to read then again as it doesnt appear to be as straightforward as I first thought. I suppose the Bearings can be tapped out as they are not going to be used again. I managed to buy a new 1.7/16" Spanner/Key from a local Tool Stores "bargain box" for $4.50,which is a good deal. Im sure you have to use an open ended Spanner/Key as there doesnt appear to be space to get into the H.Stock Nut from the top with a Socket or Ring Key without further stripping of inner fairng,radio,wiring parts etc. etc.
Will post a couple of pics.of what H.Stock and surrounding things look like,if anyone is interested. Bungo.
Will post a couple of pics.of what H.Stock and surrounding things look like,if anyone is interested. Bungo.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Did you try just adjusting the steering bearings first?
I haven't had to adjust mine since I stopped doing wheelies. I also haven't had to replace a belt since then. I wonder if all that is related?
I haven't had to adjust mine since I stopped doing wheelies. I also haven't had to replace a belt since then. I wonder if all that is related?
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Scotland,UK
I have thought about greasing and tightening up the Steering Bearings but because of the mileage 50k+ I thought it might be an opportunity to re-new them. Bungo.