Steering Head bearings... Replace or Re-grease?

[cummuterguy]

I noticed a little binding at slow speeds yesterday, so I decided to pull off the front end and check the neck bearings out. As I suspected the grease is non-existant and rust has set in.

If this were a high speed bearing, it would be a no-brainer, but since these bearings don't rotate at high rpm's I'm wondering if just cleaning as best as can and re-lubibg would work. The races still feel smooth, but don't look very pretty.

Here's pics

upper bearing...

Lower bearing...

Upper race...

Lower race...


I'd rather not have my bike torn down all week in my driveway while I wait for new bearings to show up/another day off to re-assemble. That's basically the only reason I even hesitate to replace, but if repacking these will be a waste of time too... I might as well..

[cheesy]

personally I would use fine sandpaper or steel wool and clean it REALLY well, then pack in a sh!tload of grease and be done with it. Like you said.. not a high speed bearing...

[scratch]

That lower bearing looks really rusty. Soft brass bristle brush it, and maybe use some Nevr-Dul (a lamp cleaner like linseed oil soaked cotton, should be available at hardware or lamp stores, it leeches the dirt and rust away). Then see if it's pitted.

Can you run your fingernail around the races without your fingernail hanging up?

I would hate to have your steering lock up on ya in a turn. Remember the most important control on a motorcycle is the handlebar, and what does it control? Steering.

[cummuterguy]

well, I decided to go ahead and replace. The local dealer here had the lower bearing in stock, so I'm gonna take the steering stem to work tomorrow and press off the old bearing.

I'll have to wait a few days for the upper bearing to get here, so it looks like I'm driving the truck this week :x

[werase643]

carb clean them....
fine sandpaper....
carb clean the grit out...
sand the outer races a bit
and grease them.... gob it on

the factory adds the least amount of grease possible...cheap bastards