Head Bearings

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Just have my 750SS in for safety inspection dealer said there is a little bit of play in the front stem head bearing. Probably needs servicing, but it runs about 45,000 yen ($400) here. I have seen sites discussing how to do a service and I am thinking about doing it myself. Full faining 93 SS willl require fairing removal, front fork removal, etc. but do any of you have a site or photo gallery of how it is done.
Cheers

Bikeless in the spring!

[dukess1999]

Don't have any pics but I've just done it and found it relatively easy (which means it must be very easy!) As you say it's pretty much step-by-step, remove fairing, get the front end supported(I have an engine stand), remove guard, wheel, forks etc. Ashamed to say I used a mallet and substantial screwdriver to loosen C-ring but managed not to mark it. You might want to mark where your forks are in the yokes before dropping them out, and take a note of the order that locking nut, washers etc come out in.
Haynes is okay as a guide for this though from memory the pics aren't particularly instructive.

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Thanks Dukes,
I have a Ducati Service manual, but I haven't looked at it lately. Not too great, but passable. I also recollect an article on this in one of the Japanese Duck magazines I have. Just need to dig it up. But your words of advice will be helpful, when and if I decide to do it. Need to figure out a good support system first. Maybe support it from the rafters of my little garage with a box underneath the engine or something. As someone mentioned on another post, it will probably be wise to take photos along the way to keep things in order.l

[Iconic944ss]

Hi there!

I thought there was an article here...

http://www.ducatisuite.com/home.html

but it turns out not - I've done the job myself and the hardest part was getting the inner race off the bottom yoke stem. Ended up taking it into work and using an oxy-acetelene torch on the swine :o

Good fork write up here with a nice idea for a stand.....

http://www.mcmototech.com/virtual/SHOWA.HTM

Here is some related rubbish Ive written - lol

http://217.199.188.40/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=8094

http://217.199.188.40/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=8210

Good luck !!!

[monstermob 998]

found these use full when performing the headstock bearing change better than a screwdriver and mallet technique also usefull for rear shock adjusting!!

http://www.toolbank.com/category.cfm?CFID=2242547&CFTOKEN=45429879&rID=1&code=3271&nx=B107917CE9F33268A654BCC0571022958c40gy8c405i

[888heaven]

Mad Dog
Just removed the bearings off my T8 the bottom inner race I removed with a dremel with the little cutting disc attatchment cut through as far as possible without touching the yoke.
then with a small sharp chisel place in the groove and tap with one hard blow this splits the shell and it then pulls free.
make sure you have the yoke on flat but shock absorbing surface I used a bit of hardboard on the metal work bench.
hope this helps
ian

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Muchas Gracias Senores!

Looked through the links (toolbank one is expired though) and liked what I saw. WIll try the stand. I hoipe bearings don't need replacement (not too many wheelies with my 750) but I should be prepared for it. Think I will change the oil in the forks as well. Will try to take a photo record to add to all the great stuff you turned me onto, if I discover anything worthwhile.

Cheers!

[Iconic944ss]

Hmmmmm....good info, especially the Dremmel tip - I like that one!

Toolbank link worked for me and is a hook wrench as pictured:

http://www.toolbank.com/products/full/16508.jpg

As an aside for outer races, I also hired a slide hammer once with a tube that had an expanding lower collar - this was for more difficult to get recessed bearings but on Dukes and nice long piece of thick rod should do the job nicely.

Frank

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Thanks Frank. Link just gave me an error. Probably end up doing this in beggining of May when there are a few holidays around.

[888heaven]

Maddog
I dont know how old your bike is but I would suggest you change them anyway dont bother to regrease as this isnt practical as the wear will still be in one place.
the difference in the smoothness after id changed mine was considerable even without the forks in.
i can send you the c spanner in the post if you want to borrow mine, and the dremel.
ian

[FiscusFish]

Originally posted by 888heaven
Maddog

i can send you the c spanner in the post if you want to borrow mine, and the dremel.
ian

That's a mighty fine offer, especially when you consider his location... :o:o:o

Darren

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Fiscus,
Japan ain't so far.....our world has really shrunk. Just wish postal rates had shrunk as well.
888, advice taken and thanks for the off on the spanner! Will have to pass on that but 28000 km on the bearings has probably taken its toll so I will do a renewal i guess.

[888heaven]

That's a mighty fine offer, especially when you consider his location...

It may seem a strange offer but my wife works in a Model shop (no not that type shes tooo ugly) and they send out stuff world wide.:P

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Sounds good. maybe I will let you know when I will attempt this matter. Also, does a full bearing change require ducati or generic bearings?? Anyone know?
BTW, your wife can't be too ugly....anyone with the sense to buy an 888 must have good taste in women!

[FiscusFish]

You can get generic ones to fit from a bearing factor. The problem you may run into is knowing which ones to get. The best solution would be to take the old bearings in and get the guy behind the counter to match them.

Darren

[888heaven]

Hi Mad Dog
First of all when I said my Wife worked in a Model shop she said you cant put that theyll think I work in Ann Summers or something (i wish) so i'll just put your too ugly for that then.
anyway back to bearings ive just bought some so i'll send you (U2U) the code numbers as they are standard bearings from SKF, which Ducati buy in and rebox.
Ian