16v K Top Steering Bearing Removal?

[MikeP]

Anyone got a bodge to remove the bearing shell from the top of the steering tube?

As the K1 onwards frame is beefed-up, there's a reinforcing section of tube inside and just below the shell. Whereas with the older bikes you can just knock the old shell out with a long drift, the added metal means that an internal bearing puller seems to be the only obvious way and I don't have such a thing.

There are some cheap pullers out there that would probably do for the few times that the job needs doing but none that will cope with a diameter of 50mm, the ones that will are more money than I care to part with for such occasional use.

 

[its all poo]

If you have access to a welder weld something across the race and then nock it out from below. a big washer is good as it can be welded all the way around. just try to keep it cool as it will get hot and expand alot. So weld. Part and then leave to cool ect. it wont be a pretty weld as the bearing material does not weld real y well. but it does work.

 

[MikeP]

No welder I'm afraid but thanks anyway.

 

[chris c]

If I remember correctly from replacing the bearings on my K1 there was a small gap underneath the race.I found some thin washers and tapped them in the gap and formed a ring of washers all around the race.I then found 2 large washers and a length of screwed rod and nuts and clamped the ring of washers top and bottom,then warmed the headstock using hot air gun and knocked the race out from below.

 

[MikeP]

Cheers Chris, that sounds like a good idea.

 

[bonnylad]

Just done my K100 16v....Shove a largish screwdriver horizontally under the bottom edge of the bearing and push hard while you hammer upwards on the tip of the blade with a chunky metal drift pushed up the steering head. Work from left and right sides alternately and 'walk' the ring out. Grinding the screw driver to the same radius as the bearing makes things easier but its life as a screwdriver is over. Who cares! It's the cheapest special tool you will ever have.
An interesting thing about the K100 16v is that both top and bottom bearings have the tin dust cap. Why? all other Ks just have one on the bottom. Is there someone out there who can give me any guidance on this? I am inclined to just leave it off since the carrier has a nice protective pelmet on it anyway.
I suspect that BMW got it wrong about this since the dust cap can not be centralised on the bearing carrier because of an undercut at the base.

 

[luke scott]

I bet MikeP is looking down from GS heaven and smiling that his thread has been revived .

 

[bonnylad]

I'm happy to oblige by reviving a thread but I would really like a reply to my question re. the dust cap. These little things mean a lot to me.

Luke, As a new boy I'm afraid I find your reference to MikeP a bit obscure. Would you like to explain then we can share the joke? You have a wonderful community here and it seems to be very inclusive.

 

[Ijustwanttoseethephotos]

My August 1992 K100RS 16V had a dust cap top and bottom, as per the part list. When I renewed the headrace bearings I replaced the 2 with new. I don't recall there being anything difficult or odd when fitting them.

 

[bonnylad]

Job done, only bottom cap used so it's no different to any other Brick now and I'm £3 better off.
If anyone knows of any just impediment why this man and this bike should not be repaired in this manner let him speak now or forever hold his piece (sic).

 

[oblertone]

I'm happy to oblige by reviving a thread but I would really like a reply to my question re. the dust cap. These little things mean a lot to me.

Luke, As a new boy I'm afraid I find your reference to MikeP a bit obscure. Would you like to explain then we can share the joke? You have a wonderful community here and it seems to be very inclusive.

There's a clue in the avatar of the OP; well done on finding a fix.

 

[andysdad]

You have a wonderful community here and it seems to be very inclusive.

Your new here aren't you? I hope you haven't got an LC...

Joking apart, welcome. It is a great site but certain areas have their inmates who should be avoided!

For clarity - Mike passed away in September - he was a bloody superstar and taught most of us more about maintaining German iron, and how to behave in public, than anyone else - hence his title of "UKGSer of the Year 2014". Look up some of his restoration threads - they are works of art, as were the bikes themselves.

A