Removing Lower Race on Steering Head Bearing

[Novavalker]

I'm having difficulty removing the lower race because it is recessed and impossible to use a punch from the top down. Does anyone have any other methods?

[Valker]

A Dremel tool is a lot of careful work, but if you have access to a welder, running three quick lines of heat across the face of the race will cause it to drop out. I always thought heating it wold make it tighter, but it literally falls out.
I also have a tool that will allow driving it out from the top. I am currently trying to find a link.
It is a Titan 12210
Here is one source for it:http://www.amazon.com/Titan-Indexable-Pry-Bar-Length/dp/B001TIPOBW
It will adjust to an angle that will catch the top edge of the race from the top and allow it to be punched out.

[ptgb]

Here's what I used recently....


http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,62065.0.html

[John Schmidt]

Daryl that owns Xf6 put me on to this. It's an adjustable pry bar, set it to just shy of straight out and slip in from above. The edge of the pry bar will catch on the top of the bottom race. It's enough to move it, just give it a few good whacks then go 180 degrees from the first position and do it again. Just a couple times like that and it falls out. The adjustable end is hardened steel which locks into place, you're not going to hurt it. Took me less than a minute to remove the bottom race on my GL1200, same neck bearings & races as the Valkyrie.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-in-locking-flex-pry-bar/p-00943295000P?prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22

[Jeff K]

I just put some beads of weld on them and they drop out.