Stelvio Steering head bearing maint

[Markcarovilli]

more winter fun - since I'm taking off forks to do the seals and replace oil on my 2012 Stelvio how about the steering head bearings.

My question, since I'm into the front end with the forks, is do I need the fancy tool to take off the nut on the top.  I  looked and it is more than I want to spend.  Can it be taken off with care and no damage without this tool-then can it be properly tightened without it?

I was just going to pass on this but it seems like the best thing to do when all the other parts are off.  I will also need a big old allen wrench for the center plug as well.

thanks for any help,

Mark

[ChuckH]

Mark,

I would call Jim B. at Rose Farms and ask him if there was someway to improvise the disassembly/reassembly without the correct special tools.  I would also get his counsel as to the need to remove, regrease the steering head bearings at this stage in the bike's life.

Chuck

[Xlratr]

Judging by the lack of grease on the swing arm bearings, I also decided to grease the steering head bearings on my 2012. I did it last year at 27tkm.
As it turned out, they were fine and I needn't have done it so early. But if you have everything off anyway, it isn't really difficult.
I do think you'll be better off with the proper tool though, and you'll need a new locking ring thingy.


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[pete roper]

From memory there is nothing special about the top nut, it's the same as the Griso I believe? Just a 14mm hex key required.

As John sez you'll probably need a new lock plate for the two adjuster nuts but other than that it's very straightforward. Steering head bearings tend to have a bit more grease on them than the swingarm bearings so I'd make sure you do the swingarm and linkage bearings first!

Pete

[Xlratr]

Pete, I guess Mark is referring to the big round castellated adjuster nut. I don't think it's "really" tight, but still troublesome without the proper tool.


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[Markcarovilli]

John/Pete

yes I was talking about the big round castellated adjuster nut- I think I will forge ahead without the tool and see what I can make work.

If all else fails I can always buy the tool.  I was just hoping to save some money since this is not something I'll be doing often.  I will get the new locking ring.

thanks for the help,

Mark

[Kiwi Dave]

I purchased one for 19.99 GBP from Kevin Drake, Turbo Suzuki via ebay uk.

I don't see it advertised now, perhaps he's not doing them any more.

[Markcarovilli]

got bearing greased up and used this wrench for the nut


worked great...

Mark

[Xlratr]

Great! What did the bearings look like?


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[Markcarovilli]

I didn't take pics but the bearings were in need of grease.  They looked OK as well as the races but the grease was sparse...

I'm sure they could have gone for awhile yet but now I feel that they'll be good for a couple more years.  The bike has 30K + miles so in another 30K it will be time to take another look.

John, thanks for your posts and pictures which encouraged me to do these.

Mark

[ohiorider]

Mark, get her all greased up (and ck those electricals!)  We're overdue for a good ride thru the fine riding roads of Ohio!

Bob