This updated video shows how I replace the steering head bearings. You can read all the details about this procedure here: brook.reams.me/bmw-motorcycle...
I had no problem removing the race on the bottom side of the steering stem but the one on top was a pain. There wasn't enough of a lip for the cycleworks tool to snap into easily. Hammering wasn't helping. I had to use the tool that compresses the driveshaft (so the snap ring could be removed) in order to compress the bearing puller ring enough to snap in behind the race lol.
excellent video, thank you Brook. quick question: I was wondering, if, since I'm also going to be getting my frame powdercoated, it would perhaps be better to leave the upper and lower outer races installed until after powdercoating so as to reduce/prevent coating on the inside of the steering head tube? and then remove the outer races afterwards?
hi chap........totally enjoying your in-depth knowledge on BMW Classic bike Resto.....I have been following all as the info is awesome .........I am just getting my frame ready to send off/take to powder coating .........I noticed on the steering bearing instal you did, that the steering lock is installed.......did you totally remove the Locke body prior to powder coating??? please and thank you.......also is there a pre-video to what should be done prior to sending your frame and parts to powder coating.....please ........keep the in-depth vids coming Sir.......there awesome. regards Phil
Phil, I did not have a key for the fork lock, otherwise I would have removed it prior to having the frame powder coated. I put wires through all the holes that should be protected from powder coating, or masking tape over them with "NO POWDER COAT" so they know what to mask off. Later I found a used fork lock with key, so I drilled out the old lock and installed the replacement one.
I bought these Cycleworks tools and they did not work this well for me. I had much more clearance between that beveled washer and the outer race. I did not have to tap it in like was shown. This meant I also had to apply a lot more force to the nut in order to expand the washer enough to grab onto the race. The sleeve also damaged the paint on the frame. When it came to removing the lower inner bearing on the steering stem, that tool would not fit underneath the bearing. No amount of hammering would push the ledge far enough under to grasp it. Attempting to then pull the bearing would just result in the tool walking off center because it couldn't be started correctly. I ended up cutting it off. Lastly, I emailed Cycleworks twice and never got a response. If you buy these tools, you are sending your money to a black hole for some hack mechanic junk. Maybe you'll have better luck than me, but none of their stuff fit well for my bike. That also includes the wheel bearing tool. The hardware for the tools just wasn't the optimum size for my R100S.
