Stering head bearing replacement

[sirgalahad3]

Hi guys,I am in the middle of the above job on my gen 1. To those of you who have done this isnt it great fun getting te top race out of the frame tube....
Anyway all old parts now removed. My question is concerning the new bottom bearing oil/grease seal. The new Koyo taper bearing seems to have its own seal arrangement built in so I take it I dont have to use the old yamaha seal that was at the bottom of the stem? Ie new taper bearing will sit directly on the bottom yoke without any seperate seal?
    Cheers N.

[devilsyam]

so here's a tip file a groove so next time you will have summat to purchase on

there are two kits for this the cheaper has no bottom seal

i have used both with out issue pack em with grease and fit it you will find refitting of the bottom a bitch too
really because you trying to work upside down

[sirgalahad3]

Good idea re groove. Anything is better than having to do that again!
My new bearing has the rubber seal attached. So you did not use the one that was originaly fitted to the stem with this kit?
I can see bottom one is going to be awkward,have it in the frezer at the mo trying to shrink it a bit.

[Falcon 269]

I used the bearings with integral seal and omitted the Yamaha original. 

Installed the races using a length of threaded rod, nuts 'n' washers, a large socket and the original ball-bearing race to draw the new one into place:

[sirgalahad3]

New bearing with integral seal omitting original yamaha one it is then. Am hoping freezing races will help but drawing them in with threaded rod certainly lessens the chance of them going in not square. Thanks Mike.   

[Falcon 269]

I omitted to mention that I also did the overnight freezing trick.   Take your time and make sure the race starts in square and all will be easy after that.

[sirgalahad3]

Top race in but I am not sure I like the way it seems to sit on its rubber seal before the rollers meet the race. We will see....
Roller fitted to stem. That was TIGHT. To tight IMHO.I cannot see the need to make the tolerences so close. I used a 7ft scaffold pole and a piece of wood. Roller undamaged .
Only the bottom to go now but have had enough for the time being!