X-Country steering head bearings

[Nick G]

Hi, I've just bought an x-country unseen (stupid I know) which has totally shot head bearings. My local bike shop is quoting £260 to replace. I paid what I consider 'top dollar' for the bike and can't really afford to pay out more.
The bearings don't cost much and I am fairly competent with a socket set etc. Is this a difficult job to do

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Loads of info here

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335086

£260..................do they wear masks

 

[Nick G]

Thanks thats great.

The seller has now agreed to pay for the steering head bearing replacement. The bike hasn't been well looked after and needs a bit of fettling but that's my fault for not seeing it 'in the flesh' before buying. Too much black paint slapped around to hide corrosion etc. The engine is good and I can gradually improve things. Wish list.....hopefully second hand : exhaust, screen, hand guards and rack. I'll probably change the fork oil but I'm way off being able to afford Wilbers front and back.
Hopefully the head bearings will transform what was a pig of a ride to the bike that people rave about.

 

[Micky]

Hopefully the head bearings will transform what was a pig of a ride to the bike that people rave about.

I have to inform you that JB and myself have worked hard to set very low standards, and regularly fail to achieve them

Best of luck with it Nick

 

[Losttheplot]

Thanks thats great.

The seller has now agreed to pay for the steering head bearing replacement. The bike hasn't been well looked after and needs a bit of fettling but that's my fault for not seeing it 'in the flesh' before buying. Too much black paint slapped around to hide corrosion etc. The engine is good and I can gradually improve things. Wish list.....hopefully second hand : exhaust, screen, hand guards and rack. I'll probably change the fork oil but I'm way off being able to afford Wilbers front and back.
Hopefully the head bearings will transform what was a pig of a ride to the bike that people rave about.

If thats how the bike has been looked after, i'd remove the swing arm and make sure the bearings are well greased to. these can be a complete B@stard to get off if they seize. Better done now rather than leave it. DAMHIK

 

[GFJ]

Good luck. Excellent basis for a bike once sorted.

You can get new headstock bearings relatively cheap, set on eBay for just over £20 iirc. Easy enough to keep greased up.

Concur with lostheplot re sorting/greasing the swingarm and lower shock mount if you're down there. I have a tap and die etc should you need them.

I am likely to be selling my acro can in the not too distant, but having had it, I wouldn't worry about not having one.

Loads of bits avail which you'll be able to pick up as you go along and loads of help on here.

Good luck and enjoy.