Greasing steering head bearings
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,228
Likes: 3,241
From: west Michigan
Just say no, don't do it. They are not "spinning" bearings and don't need to be greased often, if ever. I had the dealership do one of the services on my Deuce and I was cleaning grease off the tank and off my pants for the rest of the Summer. They are not at all likely to freeze up.
control. That's been MY experience.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta, Ga
It's not about freezing up. It's about keeping a lubrication barrier between the rolling elements and races of the steering head bearings in order to prevent brinelling. If left unchecked on some bikes, especially those with frame flex, steering head bearing brinelling will cause the bearings to go out of adjustment, resulting in high speed ocillation/wobble and loss of
control. That's been MY experience.
control. That's been MY experience.
OMG !!! This is happening to me !!! I have a 2000 Ultra and when I reach speeds of 90+ the bike goes into this massive wobble. I have done everything to the bike from change out the main and side fairing brackets, added an after market rear stabilizer but all the while the issue has been in the front I can feel it.
The dealer suggested it might be my neck bearings and that it would run 700 bucks to change them out. I'm desperate at this point to resolve this issue whatever it is. I feel like the cost is nothing short of rape but, i'd love to ride this bike for once since i've owned it without this happening !!!
Suggestions?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
I replaced the staight zerk with a 90 degree, I used thread tape and trial and error to get it positioned for easy access with the grease gun. I also applied conventional wisdom when adding grease, and kept on pumping unti I saw it pushing out the top or bottom of the neck; BAD IDEA. In the end I think I added about 30 pumps of grease, and I've had grease blowing all over the bike ever since; real nice. Give it a few pumps and forget about it for 20-30k miles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Better to do it that way, just wipe off the excess grease IMO.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I did mine and my wifes 2010 SG Trike. Pumped both until grease ran out top and bottom. No problem with grease running out this past summer. I used Amsoil Synthetic High Temp grease. Read farther back in this Thread and you'll see where others like iclick used Royal Purple. It's the type of grease that makes the difference. IMO
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
Used the blue marine grade grease. More water resistant, and have not had a problem with it dripping out. Before I greased the steering bearings the bike was clunking over moderate bumps. No more clunk.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I, personally, use Mobil 1 synthetic bearing grease. Works just fine. In addition, it doesn't drip as much.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I replaced the staight zerk with a 90 degree, I used thread tape and trial and error to get it positioned for easy access with the grease gun. I also applied conventional wisdom when adding grease, and kept on pumping unti I saw it pushing out the top or bottom of the neck; BAD IDEA. In the end I think I added about 30 pumps of grease, and I've had grease blowing all over the bike ever since; real nice. Give it a few pumps and forget about it for 20-30k miles.