Steering Bearings

[Hedgehog]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if it matters whether you use OEM or pattern parts to replace the steering Bearings? ???

I've got a 97 Standard and they have loads of play in them and clunk a little on left and right lock.


E bay ones are £20, Honda £37 - quite a difference. If its OK to use non OEM can anyone recommend a supplier that will ship to the UK? ??? ???

Cheers

HH

[Patrick]

Can't help you with a supplier.. But, do the bearing feel smooth?? If so, maybe just an adjustment will work.. Just snug the bearing [about 8-9 ft#] until it takes 2-2.25# on a spring scale to start the forks turning.. Too tight and the bike will hunt like crazy.. If the bearings feel 'gritty' or 'notchy' then they need to be changed..

[T.P.]

From my post a few years back.

HEAD BEARINGS !!!!!   Just back from TULL Bearing of Minneapolis.   INTERESTING !!!  While the "ALLBALLS" bearings cross reference to the 32005x and the 32006x, the inside dimensions have been changed............the stock 32005x has a inside diameter of 25mm and the AB has 26mm stamped on the ring.   so a stock bearing will be too small.......Dick at Tull said, he has motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile guys bring in bearings all the time with altered specs......you can't change the dimensions after they are hardened.  so the only options are OEM or ALLBALLS.  T.P.