head bearing race removal

[LAnthony]

Do I need the honda tool to do this or can I use a long drift?  I'd like to have everything I need before I start so I don't loose any riding time this summer.  Thanks

[Skinhead]

I got mine out without it.

[big poppa pump]

Used this when I replaced my head bearings. Took me a whopping 1 minute to remove the lower race.

https://www.otctools.com/products/steering-neck-bearing-race-remover

[John Schmidt]

Get one of these, available at places other than Sears but this is a good picture. Adjust it so it's almost straight out and lock it in place, then slip it in from the top and catch the top of the race. A couple good raps with a hammer, then move it 180 deg. and do it again. A couple times like that and the race will drop out....usually just a minute or two. The metal is case hardened, I've used mine numerous times with no trouble.

Keep in mind, the top of that bottom race has very little space and very small ridge to catch with any tool. The business end of the pry bar fits in there just fine, I use an 8" version.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-in-locking-flex-pry-bar/p-00943295000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23

[Gryphon Rider]

Someone posted a home-made solution using threaded rod and washers. A search might find it.

[PharmBoy]

+1 on Big Poppa Pump's solution.  Worked like a charm...Jim

[Gryphon Rider]

Perhaps this is what I saw, from a GoldWing board:

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/2-goldwing-technical-forum/367566-diy-lower-steering-head-bearing-race-remover-tool.html

[Daniel Meyer]

Used this when I replaced my head bearings. Took me a whopping 1 minute to remove the lower race.

https://www.otctools.com/products/steering-neck-bearing-race-remover

Ooooo! (want's one)

That bottom race is a bear...I like this tool!

[big poppa pump]

Used this when I replaced my head bearings. Took me a whopping 1 minute to remove the lower race.

https://www.otctools.com/products/steering-neck-bearing-race-remover

Ooooo! (want's one)

That bottom race is a bear...I like this tool!

I tried every damn trick and tool to remove the lower race the first time including the tool that John recommended, the threaded rod and washers and even went as far as using a dremel with a cutoff wheel to split the lower rae. But the damn thing wouldn't budge. I finally took it to my mechanic who removed the race. I had seen this tool on Amazon during this time and wanted it badly but they were OOS and they still are. I was notified when they were back in stock and I purchased it right away. Amazon has the best price for this tool - $24 with free shipping via Prime. Every other place where this tool is available wants to charge 3 times more than what it costs at Amazon.


Looks like it is available from Summit Racing.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-4796

[RonW]

I've seen a few write-ups where they spot welded two or more beads around the lower race. This shrunk the lower race's diameter and it almost falls out by itself.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I bought the tool from sears and after about four hits with a hammer then it came apart. I grabbed an old craftsman screwdriver about a foot long. I put in my vice bent it at about a 30 degree angle and beat the lower race out in about a minute. I kept the races in a freezer about 4hrs before installing them and used the old races to install the new ones into the neck of the bike. The rest was easy

[RonW]

Good dat. How did you remove the lower inner race?

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

The one on the tree I used a brass wedge to get it up enough to pry bar it up and off. If the wife anit arround put new bearing in oven on heavy duty foil about 250degrees for about an hour it will almost drop on. 

[RonW]

Just have to get one of those brass wedges. Been using my finger nails to get the lower inner race started. I don't like cutting that lower race off becuz it's used to drive a new race back on. I do slot the race but only after it's off the steering stem.