Head bearings lol!

[stumpi]

Well, seems mine were shagged, made noticeable on the straights and at very low speed.
Ordered a set Tuesday with some new sintered pads, got in from work at 5:30, saw they'd arrived, ate me tea and am now sat on the sofa all finished 3 hours later.
I'd say that was a job well done. Glass of wine you say? Alright then.

I will say that the top bearing was fine, the bottom was shocking, pitted all the was round at each contact point, swapped em out no issue and made sure the new ones were well greased.

Stumps.

 

[stumpi]

BTW

I used an All Balls kit number 99-3513. Always had good bearings from them for swing arm rebuilds etc.

But if you want to buy your own you need taper roller bearings 28x52x16. Then you'll need the seals/covers from BM. The All Balls kit came with seals.

Really easy job.

 

[thomo57]

Make sure you re torque them after 500 > 600 miles, or you'll be changing them again, before you know it!

 

[Micky]

I wouldn't re-torque them at all

After a few hundred miles, maybe a thousand or so, you'll notice the handlebars will just feel lighter, looser, but will still probably have no play at all, but you will feel this ...

To re-torque them takes more torque to start the adjustment nut moving, generally .... just tweak it up by about five degrees. Another thousand miles you'll notice perhaps the lightness has come back ... tweak it up again by about three or four degrees

 

[thomo57]

I wouldn't re-torque them at all

After a few hundred miles, maybe a thousand or so, you'll notice the handlebars will just feel lighter, looser, but will still probably have no play at all, but you will feel this ...

To re-torque them takes more torque to start the adjustment nut moving, generally .... just tweak it up by about five degrees. Another thousand miles you'll notice perhaps the lightness has come back ... tweak it up again by about three or four degrees

that's what I meant Micky, just nip them up slightly

 

[stumpi]

Yeh agreed, I won't torque them just nip em up once freed up.

Thanks boys.

 

[gsman1]

Head race bearings

Has new bearings 5 months ago, had re torqued at 2.5k now done 4k and shagged
Although will be replaced under warranty this time. It's a shame love the bike but this is a bit ridiculous all in all, for an adventure bike!!!

 

[rce]

Has new bearings 5 months ago, had re torqued at 2.5k now done 4k and shagged
Although will be replaced under warranty this time. It's a shame love the bike but this is a bit ridiculous all in all, for an adventure bike!!!

Same here, Rainbow said I must be bumping up curbs or running into a wall when parking. Third set fitted in 16k with last ones lasting less than 7 months 2k miles it was the death knell for my love of the bike.

 

[gsman1]

Same here, Rainbow said I must be bumping up curbs or running into a wall when parking. Third set fitted in 16k with last ones lasting less than 7 months 2k miles it was the death knell for my love of the bike.

Anyone know a supplier of quality bearings to fit 800GS that last without constantly adjusting or replacing?

 

[Micky]

Anyone know a supplier of quality bearings to fit 800GS that last without constantly adjusting or replacing?

I honestly don't think there's any difference in quality between the top names. It's down to fitting, preloading, and 'nudging up' by feel whenever ....

 

[rce]

Anyone know a supplier of quality bearings to fit 800GS that last without constantly adjusting or replacing?

According to Rainbow they had tried the better brands on other bikes and the regular failures hadn't changed. You would think Rainbow would be fitting them right wouldn't you Micky, especially as mine had already failed a few times and given that Rainbow have a good reputation.

If some bikes have regular failures and some don't that either suggests user abuse of the bike, or some engineering difference (tolerance issues?) between bikes.

If all bikes are having issues then it could be argued the bike is not of merchantable quality for such an important structural element to require such regular replacement.

 

[mediamark]

Mine's going into Rainbow in a couple of weeks to have the Bearings replaced. Can't say I'd noticed they were feeling notchy but it was picked up on the 12k service. What's more concerning is that they're saying I need a new clutch!!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Dean]

I honestly don't think there's any difference in quality between the top names. It's down to fitting, preloading, and 'nudging up' by feel whenever ....

Never had a problem as in needing replacement, some very slight adjustment yes (main dealer did mine).

why use a sledge hammer to crack a nut and never let a nut loose with a sledge hammer