Author Topic: V7C steering Head Bearings (Read 5686 times)

Moto Fugazzi · « **on:** August 23, 2016, 08:41:25 PM »

Mine are shot on my 2009 V7C. The top tapered bearing came right out, whilst the lower bearing is stuck in place. I broke the bearing apart when trying to remove it, but the inside race is stuck to the shaft. I'll post pics later when I'm at a computer.

Should the bottom bearing come out easier, or is it pressed on the shaft? Just wondering how much force I should use trying to replace it, or perhaps a dremel is the way to go?

Is there a roller bearing that will retrofit instead of the tapered bearings?

Dusty was also right in telling me to check my bearings in an earlier post about my high speed twitchyness. The bearings seemed fine when I moved the forks back and forth with the wheel on (front wheel off of the ground), but they felt very notchy with the wheel off.
Ken

pete roper · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2016, 08:48:34 PM »

Cut the inner race off, they are on tight. Bearings are 30205's and will last practically forever if well greased and tensioned correctly.

Pete

oldbike54 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2016, 08:53:32 PM »

Good work Ken

Dusty

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2016, 08:57:29 PM »

Thanks Pete! Now how do I install the new bearing, press it in on the inner or outer race? I have a good friend that works in a machine shop, but he doesn't work with bearings much.
Ken

canuck750 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2016, 09:50:22 PM »

Get yourself one of these, a brilliant and simple tool for driving out steering head stock bearing races.

You push the small end into the open head stock, then pull the tool through until the forked ends snap into the head stock, press back down and the forked tangs seat on the lip of the race, then take a big hammer and smack the top of the tool and out pops the race. Works every time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Steering-Head-Bearing-Race-Remover-/250505112741

To get the race in a big socket just slightly smaller than the OD of the race works good or a brass drift tapping round and round the race

Or you can use a purpose built tool

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2016, 11:22:08 PM »

Canuck 750, looks like I have the opposite problem of that tool you describe...the bearing is stuck on the stem and not in the frame.

Here's the pics. Bottom bearing was totally rusty. The top bearing is very loose and falls apart.
Ken

Here's what I have left if the bottom bearing to remove:

pete roper · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2016, 01:28:40 AM »

Grind that sucker off! Just be aware there is an alloy spacer below it and the we should be a rubber water/dust seal that sits under that. That's the reason for the lipped alloy spacer. If that was missing it explains why the bearing got so rusty!

As for getting the new one on? Put the dust seal on and Pocatello the spacer/collar in it. Slide the bearing down as far as it will go on the stem and then use a piece of pipe that fits over the stem but inside the cage so it sits on the top of the race to either press the bearing down from the top, (If you're careful you can tap t down tith a hammer.) until it seats on the spacer, or invert the whole lot in the press and press the stem through the bearing until it seats.

Pete

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2016, 11:32:01 AM »

Quote from: pete roper on August 24, 2016, 01:28:40 AM

Grind that sucker off! Just be aware there is an alloy spacer below it and the we should be a rubber water/dust seal that sits under that. That's the reason for the lipped alloy spacer. If that was missing it explains why the bearing got so rusty!

As for getting the new one on? Put the dust seal on and Pocatello the spacer/collar in it. Slide the bearing down as far as it will go on the stem and then use a piece of pipe that fits over the stem but inside the cage so it sits on the top of the race to either press the bearing down from the top, (If you're careful you can tap t down tith a hammer.) until it seats on the spacer, or invert the whole lot in the press and press the stem through the bearing until it seats.

Pete

Ground off without issue. No dust seal on the bottom. Will order 2 new dust seals and install when they arrive.

What is Pocatello?
Ken

oldbike54 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2016, 11:37:31 AM »

Quote from: Moto Fugazzi on August 24, 2016, 11:32:01 AM

Ground off without issue. No dust seal on the bottom. Will order 2 new dust seals and install when they arrive.

What is Pocatello?
Ken

Yes , what does "Pocatello" mean Pete ? Some weird reference to "spud" maybe ?

Dusty

pete roper · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2016, 11:45:55 AM »

I have absolutely no idea. Auto correct, but you get the drift!

Pete

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2016, 12:44:02 PM »

It's a town in Idaho.

canuck750 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2016, 01:07:03 PM »

A standard bearing puller (long bolt version) will pull the lower race off without drama. Harbour freight sells them for cheap and for limited use they will stand up to DIY use.

Sdgg" class="bbc_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bearing-Separator-Puller-Splitter-Removal-Assembly-Kit-Automotive-Car-Set-/181070608571?hash=item2a28a638bb:m:mDAnRCvI_QG2iI3lkPI Sdgg

The new bearings is drifted on with a closed end pipe

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2016, 01:13:57 PM »

Sure, now you tell me about the bearing puller after a ground off the old one.

I did just order one of those sweet neck bearing remover in your previous post.
Keep the installation tips coming as this is my first time installing neck bearings.
Ken

canuck750 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2016, 01:34:20 PM »

Just make sure you install the rubber base seal and the flange correctly

The rest is easy.

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2016, 11:49:36 PM »

Not much progress tonight other than putting the lower steering stem in the freezer in hopes that the lower bearing will slide right on when I try to install it. The outer races are in there as well so they might install easier.
Any recommendations on grease to use? I have Redline heavy duty grease and BelRay waterproof grease...I suppose I can't go wrong with either. <shrug>.

The lower bearing rubber dust seal is quite deformed and very hard, and I'm soaking it in oil overnight so that it might soften up. Maybe Seafoam might be better, as I read that it does soften rubber. Suggestions would be appreciated. A google search for new seals doesn't show anything for this bearing. The local suppliers don't carry the dust seal either.
Ken

A pic of the hardened deformed rubber seal. Not good at all. No wonder why the bearing was so rusty.

Tom H · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2016, 12:26:22 AM »

Don't try to reuse that seal. It's JUNK unless it's the last seal for your bike in the universe!!!

At Harpers, here is the parts list, but it does not have a link to the seal??:
http://www.harpermoto.com/parts-by-motorcycle/2000-up-moto-guzzi-motorcycles/v7-classic-750-2008-2012/front-fork-i-en-v7-classic-750-2008-2012.html

At MG Cycle there is a All Balls kit that includes the seal but does not list your bike. They may sell the seal by itself, couldn't find it in a quick look at their site:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_199&products_id=4359

Call either or both to see if you can get the seals!!!!!!

As examples for seals, but in a kit:

Ebay for a kit:
Your year:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-V7-750-Classic-Racer-08-12-Steering-Head-Stem-Bearings-/231863943433?hash=item35fc2b0109:g:b~AAAOSwPc9W130H&vxp=mtr

A 2008:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/All-Balls-Steering-Bearing-Kit-for-Moto-Guzzi-V7-Cassic-2008-/112070457837?hash=item1a17eb79ed:g:ix4AAOSwRQlXfCSg&vxp=mtr

I used a All Balls kit to add seals to my '72 Eldo as I needed new bearings, took a bit of adjustment, but the seals work.

Good luck!!
Tom

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2016, 01:17:38 AM »

Thanks for the info!

Harper's has them in stock, and is shipping out today.
Ken

Moto Fugazzi · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2016, 11:49:40 PM »

Update:
The seals arrived from Harper's on Saturday, but we were out of town (the wife was rappelling down the side of Lambeau Field Stadium for a fundraiser, and I was able to longboard around the stadium while she was prepping for it).

I had at it tonight. I was able to remove the 0uter races with the tool Cunuck750 mentioned (mine was a 4 prong version), and the new races installed with a kit I rented from auto zone. The bottom bearing was installed on the steering stem with a pipe as Pete mentioned above, and a hammer was necessary as I'm a weak little person. The bearings seems to be torqued down according to specs, and all is good.

For those afraid of messing with bearings like I am, have no fear. This was very simple and easy...it just requires common sense and a few special tools. The people on the forum were a huge help!
Ken

Here's a pic of the steering neck bearing removal tool in action.

The wife rappelling down the stadium...she's on the left.

Me long boarding inside a giant nut:

oldbike54 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2016, 11:56:34 PM »

ATTABOY Ken .

Dusty

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #19 on:** August 31, 2016, 11:55:36 AM »

Tank slappers are natures way of getting your attention on steering head bearings.

LaGrasta · « **Reply #20 on:** August 31, 2016, 03:05:35 PM »

nice job and nice documentation too. This will help if my '10V7cc ever needs neck attention.

News:

Author Topic: V7C steering Head Bearings (Read 5686 times)

pete roper

oldbike54

canuck750

pete roper

oldbike54

pete roper

canuck750

canuck750

oldbike54

LaGrasta