All Balls steering bearings fitment issue on a '76

[jimbonaut]

I'm replacing the stock bearing set-up in the steering head from ball bearings to All Balls tapered. I bought the correct set (from FortNine, here in Canada) but the things just don't fit. I've only tried installing the races so far - the top race has the correct diameter and definitely seats, but when it does it sticks out of the neck by a good 3mm. The bottom race almost feels like the diameter is too small (it fits in the head really easily - even without being put in the freezer for a few hours) and only takes a few taps to seat.

The bearing numbers are 99-3511 and 99-3512

https://fortnine.ca/en/all-balls-steeri ... earing-kit

Has anyone else had this issue?

[gltriker]

Scroll down this page to Similar Topics for the info. you need

[jimbonaut]

Thanks for the tip Cliff, I definitely found some helpful info down there.

Another issue has come up however with the All Balls set I've bought (and which I can't find any more info on) and that relates to the lower race. I can install it by hand, right up until it seats. That can't be right, right?

[Old Fogey]

You need the set made for the CX500. The early 1000 frames had that; got changed in later 76 models and then changed again for taper rollers in 77.

[jimbonaut]

You need the set made for the CX500. The early 1000 frames had that; got changed in later 76 models and then changed again for taper rollers in 77.

Thanks very much for this info. For the CX500 bearings, which year should I order? I don't know much about the CX500 - was 1978 the first year of production? I just checked on FortNine and it looks like the bearings for the '78 CX500 are the same model number as the ones I just bought for the Goldwing though (kit number 22-1011)

[jimbonaut]

I've been in touch with All Balls - they have one of their guys working on it and I'm hoping they'll have a solution. I didn't mention the CX500 suggestion to them. Seems like the top race protruding is a non-issue (at least from what I've read) but I can't find much info about the lower race being such a loose fit

[Old Fogey]

If the top race protrudes, the top yoke doesn't sit down far enough to grab the headlight ears. You have to add spacers to the top of the ears to tighten it up.

[jimbonaut]

If the top race protrudes, the top yoke doesn't sit down far enough to grab the headlight ears. You have to add spacers to the top of the ears to tighten it up.

Thanks for the tip - I'd read something similar in a thread here (someone had used o-rings on the fork tubes I think as a shim for the headlight ears). At this point I think I can work around the upper race situation, but any insight or suggestions about the lower race being so loose would be aces

[robin1731]

It's been a long time but this situation has been discussed before. I went through it on my 76 but that was before I even knew about this forum. I believe there is a list someplace with the frame numbers where the change was made midway through the 76 model year. Early numbers take the 76 kit. later numbers take the 77 kit.

Did you scroll down and read through the similar topics? Like maybe this one.https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74180

[jimbonaut]

Thanks Robin - yeah I've read through all the similar topics I can find (thanks again to Cliff for pointing me towards the links) and found some helpful info there, but nothing (at least that I can find) that relates to the lower race being loose

[robin1731]

Thanks Robin - yeah I've read through all the similar topics I can find (thanks again to Cliff for pointing me towards the links) and found some helpful info there, but nothing (at least that I can find) that relates to the lower race being loose

Do you have a kit for a 76? Your bike might be a late 76 and needs the kit for a 77. What is the build date of your bike?

[pidjones]

Another solution is to go with balls for the upper bearing (which sees little load and abuse) with roller for the lower.

[gltriker]

Old Fogey had advised the CX500 bearing kit might be the answer. In a very round about way I found this member's solution and here's a screenshot of her conversation, with an exact CX500 model year, that may answer your question re: the year/s of CX500 you require the All Balls kit for .
Although she didn't provide any part number/s, I'd measure the outside diameter of the original lower bearing cup and get that dimension to whomever/s is investigating the problem.
*
https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7416 Yes, it was located in the Shoptalk Cross-Over Parts List
*

Screenshot 2024-07-24 121056 - steering head bearings fit=up info .jpg

[jimbonaut]

Thanks Robin - yeah I've read through all the similar topics I can find (thanks again to Cliff for pointing me towards the links) and found some helpful info there, but nothing (at least that I can find) that relates to the lower race being loose

Do you have a kit for a 76? Your bike might be a late 76 and needs the kit for a 77. What is the build date of your bike?

Looking at the VIN plate it says 5/76. I checked the CX500 bearings on FortNine and it looks like the kit is the same model number as the one I just bought (22-1011) - am I missing something? I can work around the top race sticking out, just nervous about the lower race being loose in the steering head (loose enough to spin just by turning it with my fingers).

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it

[robin1731]

5/76 would be a late model 1976.