Pulling the lower bearing

[ValkFlyer]

The last time I did this I had a heck of a time, beside taking it down to a machine shop, do any of you have any tricks for pulling the lower steering head bearing on the tree?

[John Schmidt]

This is what I used, made of hardened steel so you're not going to hurt it. The curved end is adjustable as the angle so I set if for almost straight out. Then slide it in from the top and set the knife edge on the small space just above the top of the race. Give it a couple good whacks with a hammer, then turn 180 degrees and do it again. Mine came out in less than a minute. On a couple bikes I've had to repeat a couple times by repositioning it and a couple more whacks with the hammer. That adjustable arm is also pinned down where that knob is so it doesn't move. You'll see what I mean when you look at one.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200378689_200378689

[Valker]

The one actually stuck like glue on the stem, I have always had to cut it off with a dremel tool. That one always seems like a 14" tire mounted on a 15" rim!!!

[John Schmidt]

Whoops!!  I had it in my thick head you were asking about the race. The method I mentioned works for that rather easy, but the actual lower bearing is a different story. After taking it to a shop and having it removed, I saw he used a die grinder with a cutting wheel on it. I also have one so that was the last time I used a shop for bearing removal. Cut it with either a Dremel, as mentioned, or a die grinder. However, I wouldn't suggest picking it up with bare hands right away.

[ValkFlyer]

I'll give it a shot thanks.