76 Steering head bearing question

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Track T 2411
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76 Steering head bearing question

#1

Post by Track T 2411 »

Working on Scarlett (76), which has a noticeable shake in the steering head on deceleration and bumps. I disassembled it today and found that someone's been in there before. The larger lower nut was just slightly more than hand tight. My question is, does this lower race look ok to just repack the bearings and go, or should I replace everything? I do have a replacement bearing set.
20210402_133250.jpg
20210402_133250.jpg (191.63 KiB) Viewed 440 times
You can kind of see discoloration from the rollers (the top race looks brand new.).
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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gltriker
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Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#2

Post by gltriker »

:crosso
Last edited by gltriker on Sat Apr 03, 2021 12:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
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Explorer
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Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#3

Post by Explorer »

Looks seated to me, but since you've got it down that far, put a new set in it.

Too loose: Causes a huge judder under braking.

Too tight: Causes an uncontrollable weaving when attempting to go in a straight line.

And I've been down both of those roads at one time or another.
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Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#4

Post by Shadowjack »

Too loose can also cause a decel wobble, up to and including a tankslapper. I have a big scar on my knee to remind me.
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Track T 2411
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Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#5

Post by Track T 2411 »

I didn't have the typical 'wobble' (my 1100 has that issue), just a noticeable 'chatter' when braking, etc. Seeing as I've already got the replacement set, I'm just going to replace them. Do it right, do it once...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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5speed
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Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#6

Post by 5speed »

Is there a taper bearing replacement for the original uncaged bearings?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Track T 2411
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Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

5speed wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 10:39 am Is there a taper bearing replacement for the original uncaged bearings?
Yes, All Balls offers a kit for the early 1000's. Mine already had the taper bearing set installed. Some people have had issues with fitment... I guess I'll find out, lol!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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5speed
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Location: Nova Scotia Canada

Re: 76 Steering head bearing question

#8

Post by 5speed »

Track T 2411 wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 6:43 pm

Yes, All Balls offers a kit for the early 1000's. Mine already had the taper bearing set installed. Some people have had issues with fitment... I guess I'll find out, lol!
Tks. Mine looked to be in good condition considering their age but reassembly could be a chore.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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