Replacement taper roller steering head bearings

**Masher** · 19 Apr 08, 05:31 PM

Hi
I have read many comments about replacing the steering head bearings with taper rollers.

What are the benefits?

My upper bearing is shot, the lower just showing discolouration so they both need changing.

Does anyone have any info on bearing part numbers, for those that will fit (obviously).

I will take my current bearings in to my local bearing shop to see what they can supply on monday but it would be useful if I had some manufacturer specific part numbers.

What preload should I put on the taper rollers? it will obviously be different to the standard torque values.

**MarkST** · 19 Apr 08, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masher

it would be useful if I had some manufacturer specific part numbers.

Then download the PDF parts catalogue from here - Ducati.com You will need WinZip to decompress the file, and Adobe Acrobat Reader to read it.

**Masher** · 19 Apr 08, 09:17 PM

Thanks Mark that will come in quite useful, however it gives me the ducati part number which won't mean a lot to my bearing supplier. I will try to get the bearing specific numbers from the original races, if I can, that normally shows the dimensions.
I intend phoning the supplier early Monday morning so they can hopefully get the replacement bearings by the afternoon, if I have to take the originals for them to mike up, it adds extra time.
I suspect I will have to get the sealing washers from ducati because they don't look like standard parts.

Ta Mash

**Ghost** · 19 Apr 08, 09:20 PM

Bearing services are a good source the numbers on the races are all cross referenced. I'm just waiting for a pair for the 600ss coming on Monday.

**Masher** · 19 Apr 08, 09:36 PM

I use Essex Bearings in Heybridge, Essex Bearings and Transmission | County Bearings (Essex) | Bearing and Power Transmission Specialists. they are very good and their prices, like most bearing suppliers, knock the socks of the manufacturers prices and you get the benefit of top quality bearings and seals.

**Ghost** · 19 Apr 08, 09:40 PM

You have to smile at some of these places like Bearing services, as I'm in the trade I get 60% off and they are still making money.

I went to a supplier to buy a M14x1.25 die on Friday he said I can let you have it for £27.56. As it was a one of need I couldn't justify the price, he said retail is £64.something. So the ordinary guy really does get ripped off.

**Trevor** · 21 Apr 08, 10:57 AM

Polar Bearings Limited could be worth a look as well.

Greenstead Road
Colchester

01206 869330

**Derek** · 21 Apr 08, 11:40 AM

The bearing you need is a Koyo 32907 JR-2.
You can buy the bearing from B&C Express, Wemoto or BikeBearingsUK
DO NOT tighten them to the 30Nm recommended for the OEM cup and cone ball bearing set-up, the steering will be far too tight. Tighten the steering head nut until the bearings start to bind and then just back it off enough so that they turn smoothly and freely.

**MarkST** · 21 Apr 08, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor

Polar Bearings

Very good Trevor, I love it

**Trevor** · 21 Apr 08, 03:23 PM

Just trying to help

**Masher** · 21 Apr 08, 07:00 PM

My local suppliers can't get any at reasonable prices, none of their suppliers have any in stock anywhere in europe!!

.

I will give the three that Derek posted a call tomorrow and see what the price and delivery times are, Desmo Times come in at £42.00 including delivery, the original ball bearings from Parkies are £33 (I guess plus vat) but they wont have them in till next week if I order them tomorrow.

I would prefer to get a "Kit" as I need the seals as well, arent the seals rubbish! Probably as much the cause of failure as the amount of grease they are packed with!

I also need to get a replacement pinch bolt for the centre of the triple clamp, I had to drive a slightly oversize AF allen key into the bolt after the original allen key stripped it out, I had read other posts of this happening so I wasn't to surprised!

All this just to fit my Sat Nav! and to make matters worse the weathers warming up and I have the bike hanging of the Pergola!!

Getting frustrated now.. going outside to look at it and have a smoke!