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Help Steering bearings - CBF250

Discussion in 'Honda 250cc Singles' started by Brazil, Apr 4, 2019.

  1. Brazil

    Brazil Active Member

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    Gday all
    I got a little cbf 250 to commute. Its a 2006 with 45ks on the clock , needs a little tlc.
    First up it has notchy steering so I want to replace the steering bearings very soon.
    Are these taperred rollers or ball race bearings.?
    Anyone know the sizes?

    I know I can get an all balls kit on ebay but I would prefer to use my local bearing guy
    Thanks in advance

    Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
     
  2. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Most aftermarket kits will be tapered roller bearings. A lot of OEM ones are loose ball bearings or ball bearings with a plastic retainer.

    My advice would be to purchase the all balls kit, as they include the new seals.

    Are you planning to do this job yourself or get a mechanic to do it?
     
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  3. Brazil

    Brazil Active Member

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    I'll be doing it myself
     
  4. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

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  5. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Good guide but it misses a few things

    Use of a heatgun on the lower stem/bearing and old races before attempting removal

    Stick the new races in the freezer to shrink them slightly, and use the heatgun on the frame prior to installing the new races. Wipe the new races clean after removing them from the freezer - otherwise they rust from the moisture even with grease.

    A race installer is the best tool, but you can use the old races to seat the new ones - slowly and evenly to avoid cracking them. They are hard steel and can be brittle. If your old race gets stuck when seating the new one, simply use a drift and your hammer, tap it side on until it comes free.

    Properly packing the bearings - takes ages by hand, best to use a speed packer -





    Using the right grease is important, you want the nice thick tacky stuff

    Having the proper tools is essential... you need a way to drive the new bearing onto the steam and seat it, an old fork tube cut down that fits around the inner race and clears the stem is a good one, and a hydraulic press makes it easy.

    On a naked bike / with a centrestand it's an easier job.


    Once you have the stem back in, it's important to preload/seat the bearings by tightening and then releasing the tension, followed by tightening again, either to a specification, or doing it by feel.

    If the steering is stiff - too tight. If it clunks over bumps or makes a knocking sound when you grab the brakes - too loose.

    I grab the fork bottoms and pull back and forth to check for play, and tighten until play is removed and there is no knocking or clunking.
     
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  6. Brazil

    Brazil Active Member

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    Thanks for that. I ordered the allballs kit but will probably not be able to install until easter now. I have a rally coming up on the 13-14th

    Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
     
  7. Brazil

    Brazil Active Member

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    Bearings done. The inside of the steering head is designed so that there is minimal proud lip on the old roller bearing cup, making removal a challenge.
    The new ones wil probably need a tighten after a few k's
    I noticed that the front tyre is rooted. It has a crack across it and a flat spot. It s apirelli sport demon which the blue slip guy suggest he replace when he fitted a dulop arrowmax on the rear.
    Any suggestions for a new front tyre?
     
  8. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Metzeler sportec m7rr - if they are available in the correct sizes. They wear well and provide good grip in warm/cold/wet conditions.
     
  9. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Or another Arrowmax to match the rear.
     
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