Vintage Steering head Bearing Race Removal

Anyone out there have experience ( a really good way to remove) removing the steering head bearing races?

I'm looking for something better than the old hammer and punch. Maybe that is the only way? Their is not much of a lip to get the punch against...

Also how about for install....? I'm thinking about machining a softer brass drift with a slightly smaller O.D. and then using a rubber mallet.

Anyone got any other suggestions for removal or install?

T

They are a PITA. I had my daughter hold a screw driver across the opening and catching the race lip (which is way small and i could not get my punch to catch) and then hit that with a drift punch from the far side of the steer tube. So basically the screw driver she was holding was 90 degrees to the race lip and I hit it perpendicular to that. To reinstall use a bearing press tool (expensive) or a round of aluminum just slightly under sized and tap it in carefully.

This tool is the best way. Pull it through from the far side until it snaps into place. hammer away.

http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/p...rodId=540535&CAWELAID=63783916&segment=badger

This place has it for cheap...

http://www.motorcycletoolchest.com/Park_Tool_Steering_Race_Remover_1_1_1_2_p/rt-1.htm

there is also the pipe-n-chisel trick seen here at the bottom of the post...

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=531298&highlight=steering head bearing

this also looks interesting.

http://www.rockymountainmc.com/prod...tle=Tools/Shop&webCatId=22&prodFamilyId=20342

here is a simple how to but misses a lot of stuff IMHO...

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/service_steering_head_bearings/index.html

thanks Kelly!

the Park tool looks like the way to go for removal.... it is an absolute PITA.!. I used a few special French words last night...... I'm going to machine a soft brass or aluminum drift for reinstall and tap it in slowly.

Thanks, T

No problem Bro, I struggled with this in the past too. That lip is small. I'll buy the tool soon as well.

BTW i was at Harbor freight today and saw this. Almost bought it but did not know if it would pull steering head bearing races...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95987