Replace Ball Bearing Steering Bearing w/ Tapered 76 Gl1000

[sunnbobb]

After ordering a set of All Balls Bearings to replace the OEM ball bearings in the steering neck of a 76 GL1000, I realized there was not much info regarding this.

The questions for me were regarding the use of spacers that came with the set and some special instructions telling me I needed to modify the bearing nut.

I finally found the info I was looking for over at the CB750 site, where a couple of guys had a discussion regarding installing new bearings in their modified 750's.

So, here is the down and dirty. Please keep in mind this procedure is for a mid year 1976 GL1000 with OEM BALL bearings. I cannot vouch for any other year or model.

1. Remove the old bearings using whatever method you wish. There are a number of good tech tips out there regarding this. Do not toss the old bearings and balls, you may need them for measurements.

2. Purchase All Balls Kit 41-6227. Filterkingonline sells the kit for $37 shipped on Ebay.

3. Toss spacer 99-1054.

4. Pack the bearings with grease.

5. Assemble the lower bearing set per the photo (from the bottom up - parts number 99-1053 spacer/33-106 grease seal/Lower bearing). Check the thickness of the bearing assembly against the OEM lower bearing assembly. They should be with in +/- .1 of each other. If not, you will need to conside using a different spacer. I found the smaller spacer worked perfectly, thus I tossed the thick one.

6. Freeze the steering stem overnight.

7. Place the lower bearing assembly over and down the stem. Using an old GW fork or a pipe with a 1 3/8 inside diameter, drive the seal and bearing home.

8. Pack the lower bearing with grease again.

9. Place the stem up through the neck, and with a hammer and wood, seat the bearing into the neck by tapping on the bottom of the steering stem.

10. Place the upper seal and bearing over the steering stem and drive it home using the old bearing seat and the fork/pipe.

11. Pack the upper bearing with grease again.

12. Tighten the bearing nut until the steering stem starts to bind, then back off until the tree assembly rotates freely.

13. Place the upper tree over the steering neck, drop the washer and nut over the stem and tighten to proper torque. (22-29 FT/lbs).

Enjoy!

(missing picture of finished bearing - its on my phone camera, will insert later)

[Qui-gon]

Found exactly the same on both my 75 and 76 bikes.....use the thinner spacer...might also want to lightly clean the frame surfaces with a dremel to get rid of any accumulated crud. Froze the lower outer and tapped it in using a socket and the old ball race outer which I had ground the od on to fit

[cmonSTART]

Just did it on my 750 project. All Balls' directions are a bit lacking. Good write-up!

[Roady]

Excellent tutorial.

Well done.

[ericheath]

Nice write-up. If this gets added to shoptalk, I'd recommend the photos, and photoshopped photos that someone put in years back showing how many people fail to get the bearing races fully seated causing continued wobble. The writer showed how some people get the bearings in, but slightly tipped in the openings. I think it was Octane, but can't recall for sure. Or even a link to it.