Author Topic: Replacing steering bearings (Read 9165 times)

reed · « **on:** March 04, 2010, 09:18:28 PM »

Has anybody replaced there steering bearings with tapered bearings,
On there Bridgestone 350 gtr you can get kits in different sizes Koyo
Bearings from Japan.
Thanks.
Reed.

Gonzo · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2010, 07:19:41 AM »

I've actually just pulled my steering head apart to check the bearings and (silly me) I assumed they'd be in a cage, so I didn't put a bucket under there before I started...

My reactions went something like:

Working over a concrete floor is great most of the time, but dropping small things that bounce or roll (or both!) really sucks.

I really can't be stuffed crawling around on hands and knees in the dimmest darkest corners of the shed searching for every last bouncing ball. I've done that before. You always miss one. Or more.

That, and going by the state of the races and what's left of the packing grease, they need replacing anyway.

So... you wouldn't happen to know what size taper roller bearings I'll need, would you Steve?

reed · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2010, 08:14:48 PM »

Gonzo
I have the tapered bearing kit and the kit number but i am waiting for my bridgestone 350 to arrive from Chicago.
I will fit the new bearing kit and i will let you know if it fits right!
Thanks.
Reed.

RayK · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2010, 05:17:18 PM »

Whilst you are on the subject of steering bearings (balls), would you know what size the balls are in a BS 50 Sport? Scott's Bridgestone quotes all balls @ 0.25 inch.

Cheers RayK

reed · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2010, 09:08:18 PM »

RayK
The head race ball bearing sizes on a bridgestone 50 sport
Are a 1/4 you can get the bearings in any push bike shop!
That's where i got mine from in the U K.
Thanks.
Reed.

RayK · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2010, 03:06:47 AM »

Thanks Reed I was not sure if they are the same as the 175. I purchased 46 balls for $4.00 Australian.

RayK

camweir · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2010, 03:34:21 PM »

Hello Reed from across the pond what is the kit #
Also I'm no machinist but if the races on the fork touch yer balls are to small I'm going to research this and put as much info as I can in one file letter. you can download the parts manual and the mechanics manual and notes as well you can even download the bs companies shop letters with more tech info and parts changes.
I'm starting to rebuild my 2 bikes a 350 GTR and a JAWA 350 ts. both are total rebuilds oh what fun and cursin' and sweatin' that'll be ha ha .

reed · « **Reply #7 on:** March 23, 2010, 05:32:41 PM »

Camweir
I have the tapered bearing kit but i do not have my Bridgestone 350 yet the bike is in Chicago.
When i get the bike i will fit the bearing kit see if it fits right!
Then i will give you the number of the kit.
Thanks.
Reed.

moonpup · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2012, 10:22:09 AM »

Steve,

Have you had a chance to try the bearings yet and if so, how did it all work out?

reed · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2012, 10:51:31 AM »

Moonpup,
Yes i will give you a call.
Thanks.
Steve.

old smokey · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2012, 11:45:50 AM »

Hey Reed,
Is the GTR from Chicago the one that was on Craigslist several weeks ago?

moonpup · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2012, 12:52:55 PM »

Ol' Smokey........

This thread is 2 yrs old. I resurrected it because I was curious what the results were from the bearing swap. Steve's referring to a GTR he got back then.

Mike

slawsonb · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2013, 11:43:26 AM »

Hi guys. I know this is an old thread, but a current topic to me. Did the bearing swap mentioned above work out? If so, would someone be willing to share kit or part numbers? Manufacturer is Koyo, correct? Thanks...

...bert

reed · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:31:10 PM »

Slawsonb,
The OD of the bearing did not fit as tight as i would like it in the head stock and i am working on it on my other Bridgestone GTR.
And i will let you know when i am happy with it.
Thanks.
Steve.

slawsonb · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:47:53 PM »

Thanks Steve...the techie in me wants to improve everyting while I'm at it... I'll never finish...;-)
...bert

old smokey · « **Reply #15 on:** June 26, 2013, 10:04:51 AM »

Slawsonb,
Put a Yamaha TX500 front end on it too and have a disc brake....LOL.
I know, I'm in a small minority that would do this to a GTR.

slawsonb · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2013, 01:11:59 PM »

Old Smokey, I've been watching your project with a lot of interest. I've owned my GTR for 39 years and have had some experiences when grabbing more brake would have been a good thing...;-) fortunately the deer have left me alone. Keep on customizin'...
...bert

OldSwartout · « **Reply #17 on:** June 27, 2013, 08:13:13 AM »

Quote from: old smokey on June 26, 2013, 10:04:51 AM

Slawsonb,
Put a Yamaha TX500 front end on it too and have a disc brake....LOL.
I know, I'm in a small minority that would do this to a GTR.

I've thought about doing that to mine for years, just keep putting it off. If you have a rider, not a show bike, I think it's a great idea. I'm going to put turn signals on mine one of these days, too.

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Author Topic: Replacing steering bearings (Read 9165 times)

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