Steering Balls

[scott demauex]

I looked at the previous thread on the subject and want to review the subject. The balls that go in the race. Can they be purchased outside of Richards supply? I saw a reference to a place called all bearings . Can someone advise me of the specific size I need? They referred to a tapered bearing . Are they talking about the balls or can the assembly be replaced with another type bearing the would be better ? What if anything needs to be done to replace the old ball setup with a tapered bearing? The last thread really was not clear on that process and the parts Manuel only talks about a ball but with no specific size. Looking for a little help for my 200. Thanks !!

[OldSwartout]

The balls are 1/4" hardened steel balls that you can get at your local hardware store. If the races are in decent shape, there is no reason to change them, which are unique to BS. There also is no reason to replace standard ball bearing setup with tapered rollers. For top level racing, maybe there is an advantage, but not for the rest of us. i bought a bag of 100 1/4" hardened stainless steel bearing balls from McMaster-Carr for $13.00 + shipping.

[scott demauex]

Ok that is what I figured but also knowing these bikes are old I thought the update might be a real advantage. So then would you just use bearing grease to repack or is there something else that would be better to use. Many thanks!

[BRT-GTR]

     I have previously used standard automotive grease to repack the races but would now use 'Corrosion Block waterproof grease'. As the name suggests it has strong anti-corrosion properties and is waterproof.
   Made in Canada, so will be available in the US.     Now use it for all grease applications on my bikes.