Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

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dartman1962
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Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#1

Post by dartman1962 »

Hi everyone,

I am experiencing a little bit of a slight pull from left to right when riding down the road "straight" coasting or decelerating is when I notice it the most, It's kinda strange to describe, it's like I can't keep the bike upright it wants to rock back & forth from side to side!

I had done a frame off restoration in 2009, 8.000 miles ago, & the bearings looked ok & rode fine, but in the last season, have noticed the above condition. The bike has 62,000 miles now.

My bike has the original Ball bearing head stock set up, not sure if this is the issue or where to start.

I have changed the front tire as it looked like it had a high center ridge & low side edges on the original new front tire, but with a new front tire, it still seems to do this.

So, I am wondering, change the steering head bearings from ball bearings to Taper roller Bearings?

Is there any heads up things I should be aware of before attempting.

Any feedback is appreciated.
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2000 Honda Ace Tourer
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ritalz
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#2

Post by ritalz »

Have you had the forks off for any reason? If so, put the bike on the center stand and loosen all four pinch bolts at the same time to allow the forks to center themselves. Could also check for play in the swing arm bearings.
Al

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Liam
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#3

Post by Liam »

Changing the headstock bearings to taper rollers is easy, Honda changed to using them sometime from mid 76 onwards. If you buy a kit from the likes of allballs it comes with the bearings, grease seals and spacers for the installation.
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#4

Post by pjlogue »

Highly likely your steering head races are dimpled if they are origional @ 60,000 mi. Raise the front wheel up off the ground and turn the head and see if you feel any notchyness in the head. The head bearings are easy to replace. Hardest part is getting the lower race off the lower tripple. Use a Dremmel with a cut off wheel and deeply score the race without cutting into the head. Then take a small cold chizzle and give the notch a good wack to break it.

You can replace with stock ball bearings or use tapered bearings. I have found using the tapered kits, if you try to use both top and bottome tapered bearings the top tripple will sit proud a few mm. I had this with my 750 and the GL1000. I used the lower tapered bearing and reused the upper ball bearing. Most force is put on the lower bearings.

-P.
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#5

Post by 05c50 »

You might be looking at the wrong end of the bike. Sounds like the swing arm bearings are worn. Switching from accel to decel with worn bearings can cause the swing arm to rock forward and backward.

.........Paul
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dartman1962
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#6

Post by dartman1962 »

Sorry everyone, been a little busy.

I will have to check the steering head bearings.

I did have the forks seals replaced about 5 years ago, but did not notice it after that. I did read about letting the forks centre themselves, & did do that when I reassembled them.

How should I check the rear swing arm arm bearings? Could the drive shaft create that issue?
1975 Honda Goldwing,
2000 Honda Ace Tourer
Let's R&R, Rev it up & ride!

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The day I purchased the loaded wing for the sum of $20.00. Nearly finished 1975 NGW way better naked!. My 2000 1100 Honda Ace Tourer. Next project?
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#7

Post by low-side »

+1 on checking the swingarm bearings, those are classic symptoms of worn swingarm bearings. If they're bad enough, putting it on the centerstand and trying to wiggle the rear wheel side to side should tell you. If they're only only slightly worn, you might need to remove the rear wheel and shocks to feel the movement.
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Re: Steering head bearing issue? In my 75 GL1000

#8

Post by ericheath »

Could also just pull one swingarm side at a time to examine the pins. If they’re pitted, you’ll se it. If not cleanup and regrease won’t hurt.
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