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So are the bearings in the steering head supposed to just be ball bearings?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by FetusChrist, Oct 15, 2016.

  1. FetusChrist

    FetusChrist New Member

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    Doing a tear down to properly restore my 82 xj750 and was surprised to have ball bearings fall out when I removed the steering head. Is this right or do I have messed up bearings that'll need to be replaced?
     
    FetusChrist, Oct 15, 2016
    #1
  2. Tim morris

    Tim morris Active Member Premium Member

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    Tim morris, Oct 15, 2016
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  3. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Until fairly recently all headstock bearings were ball bearings. They are more than adequate for the job. Inspect the bearings for pitting and the races for notches. If they are worn or notched, then consider replacing them with roller bearings. If servaceable, then repack them with a high-pressure grease. Make sure that you put the correct number of bearings in each race.
     
    k-moe, Oct 15, 2016
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  4. Tim morris

    Tim morris Active Member Premium Member

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    Yes get out your books
     
    Tim morris, Oct 15, 2016
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  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    And have a good long read of the following thread (including all links therin) as well.
    The Information Overload Hour
     
    k-moe, Oct 15, 2016
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  6. joejr2

    joejr2 Active Member Premium Member

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    tapered steering head bearings and races are reatively cheap on ebay and easy to
    swap out with the ball type. One doesn't have to change them out but for a bike
    with over 20 k miles or more with ball bearings it's good insurance to swap.
    That's just me.
     
    joejr2, Oct 15, 2016
    #6
  7. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    They mostly had ball-bearings rolling loose. You didn't ruin anything. The 1985-86 Xj 700/750/X models came with tapered bearings.I Believe the 900 has tapered bearings. I'd really like recommend just kicking the races out and putting tapered ones in. you'll never have to do it again.
     
    hogfiddles, Oct 15, 2016
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