steering stem moving

[billy budge]

Howdy doody

After a 2 steps forward 1 step back kind of day in the garage, it was all capped off whilst trying to fit the new head race bearings. I am hoping I have the right bearings, it said they are for a 96-99 trx and mine is a 99 but the ones I took out were the open bracelet type of bearing that need greasing, where as the new ones are roller types.

Anyways...The first problem as you can see is that I cant get the lower bearing to sit down on the lip at the bottom of the steering stem which is where its meant to sit, I have never done these before so a bit in the dark. I still have about 3mm to go but it just wont move, im thinking its either the wrong type/size or its not meant to sit on that lip??

The more worrying part is that I can rotate the steering stem itself quite freely and it has about half inch or more of play in it, up and down. The trx stem was pressed into my aftermarket yokes (to suit R1 forks) by a so called specialist company but I am beginning to think that the yearly conversation with my mot tester, about my head race bearings being knackered and me saying that they are not, is down to this. I am no expert but this cant be good. Any ideas on what I can do to correct this?

Many thanks.

[baptie0]

The part on the bottom of the spindle needs to be removed as its part of the old bearing, but if the stem is moving then you will need to sort that out first
This can be done by welding a bead round the spindle and then machining it back down so its an interference fit with the bottom yoke then it gets pressed in.

[fung]

+ 1
cheers
fung

[billy budge]

Oh really????? I thought it was part of the stem...how embarassing!!!

So my next question will be then, how does one go about removing a stem from the bottom yoke?? Will it pull out in a vice or does it need to be punched or pressed out??

Cheers.

[fung]

the shaft needs to be cooled, and the old race needs to be heated if possible, then the bits will come adrift easier
Then, choices are limited only by your comfort level with various forms of mechanical and manual metal material removal tools .. .. dremel .. ..grinder .. .. cold chisel .. .. ball joint removal tool .. ..or a machine shop if all else fails eh
cheers
fung

[Kayla]

Bloody hell Did the people who did the stem swap not realise that the TRX stem needs to either be welded up and turned back down to 0.3mm oversize or turned down from standard and a bush made up to press into the R1 yoke? The stem should be a press fit into the yoke, not able to move up and down on its own. Some stems we've done have needed nearly 10 tonnes to move them.

You could send it here and we can sort it out for you.

[billy budge]

It would appear not Kayla, its the only part of the build I havent done myself due to lack of experience and lack of required machinery so I handed it over to a so called stem swap expert, advertised in Streetfighters mag (Speedfab in B'ham).

Without having the stem out I cant say what has or has not been done but what scares me is what might have happened due to this bodge, I am grateful that I have only ridden the bike a handful of times since this was done. It would definately explain the severe knocking over bumps etc.

That would be awesome if you could do it for me please Kayla, I cant do anything with the build now until this is done and I was in the poop as to where to go from here.
I am away next week so if I can get your address please then I will post it out today, if thats OK. Do you want me to get the lower bearing off but leave it in for fitment or not?? Shall I pm you to sort prices etc??

Huge thanks.

[alextrx850]

looks to me that the trx stem is able to freely move up and down inside the r1 lower yolk...
And they were pro,s..??
That stem as suggested should be a press in affair..and a real shock is how much pressure is needed to remove the trx lower yolk from the stem..the stem is finely ribbed to stay put in the alloy lower yolk...so when it lets go , its like a bomb going off....but yours is definitly a bad fit up...what worries me is the small pubic hair in the last photo..guess KY jell is used in many ways.

[billy budge]

KY jelly is a perfectly acceptable lubricant you know but I draw the line firmly at second hand KY jelly!!!!!

They have a very nice looking website and all and have done some lovely looking project bikes in the UK's biggest selling Streetfighter mag. Now having had the bike apart at the front end since he worked his 'magic' on it, I certainly wont return for more.

[dixonj]

You should name and shame them.

[billy budge]

I am seriously thinking about it mate. I have been let down by a few so called 'pros' now, in the streetfighter world. I have already named them and got some aggressive reactions from them so that shows me that they are bang to rights.

May aswell make it a hat-trick.

[trixynut]

Youve already named them, Speedfab in Birmingham.
Looks a right bodge to me.
I think you need to put your stem in Kaylas hands

[billy budge]

Ooo err missus!!!! My stem is now safely in Kaylas hands. Sorry....couldnt resist.

I didnt think of it like that though Dave, I have already named them so please dont use them. It is pretty piss poor to be honest mate, glad they didnt do owt else on my bike.

[billy budge]

All sorted now thanks to the lovely and most talented Kayla......legend.

I can crack on now with completing the build and maybe even catch some sunny rides before the salt, grime and gloom sets in. Happy days.