Last year my baby failed her MOT on notched steering head bearings.....this year because of a failing rear wheel bearing!
Well....seeing as I've just pulled the bearings from the front wheel I'm building up, I seem to have found a way that works so far for me, a bit better than that shown in the Haynes manual trying to tap down into the 'notch' and right through the centre of the wheel.
This is only to be used when the bearings are knackered and definately being replaced...
1) If possible remove the cover between the inner and outer shells, usually a plastic ring of some colour.
2) dig out the upper bearing cage to expose the ball race.
3) move all the balls around so they are in contact with one another.
***If its possible to remove one/all the balls at this time then thats ideal ***
4) Tap the inner shell with the idea of moving it into the gap you have created in moving the balls. This hopefully will allow you to remove the rest of the balls and free the inner shell.
5) The rest is a breeze on my old 900ss. Tapping down the inner metal tube pushes out the complete bearing on the other side and using a LARGE socket allows the remaining outer shell to be removed - Taaaa Daaaaa.
I hope they are as easy to get back in !!!
I'll find out tomorrow
Cheers - Frank