powdercoating prep question

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May 4, 2008 | 04:27 PM

incrediblah

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powdercoating prep question

Going to get the trees powdercoated, and I was wondering if I'll have to take the steering stem and lower bearing off of the lower one. I have the service manual, but it doesn't say anything about disassembly of the lower part. I took off the retaining ring on the bottom, but can't seem to get the steering stem with the lower bearing on it, to budge at all.

For anyone who has had theirs powdercoated, did you leave that on there, or do I need to get that out before sending it off?

Bike is an 07 night train.

Thanks

May 4, 2008 | 05:18 PM

DGlide04

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Hudson Valley- NY

RE: powdercoating prep question

The stem is connected to the lower triple tree. You should be able to pursuade it out by tapping on the upper end with a rubber mallet and a block of wood. Don't slam on the stem, a couple of gentle taps with a soft hammer on a block of wood should do the trick. When you send it off to the powdercoater, make sure they mask off the stem and the threaded upper portion of the stem. Otherwise, the powdercdoating will be too thick and make a mess when you to to reinstall the lower tree and stem, let alone mess up the threads on the upper end. Don't ever hit the stem directly, even with a soft mallet, a block of 2x4 in between is your best bet, and even then, a couple of light taps should be all you need. While you're at it, depending on the mileage, look at the bearings and see if they're in good shape.