KX250 lower steering stem bearing removal

queen of spodes
Edited Date/Time 12/14/2012 7:45am
The top bearing came off pretty easily, but the lower bearing is pressed on to the shaft. What's the easiest, non-destructive (cutting) way of getting this thing off?

Bike is a 02 KX250 if it helps.

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newmann
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newmann 12/10/2012 7:42pm
12/10/2012 7:42pm
Press the stem out in a hydraulic press. Once bearing is off press the stem back in. Put stem and lower triple in freezer for a good bit. Heat bearing in oven. Now this is the most important part.....put the lower seal onto the stem before dropping the bearing into place. Nothing quite like admiring your finished handiwork and then noticing the seal peaking out from under the towel next to the triple clamp...Blush
scooter5002
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scooter5002 12/10/2012 8:05pm
12/10/2012 8:05pm
If you use the press to re-assemble it, press the stem back into the clamp and JUST bottom it lightly. Use a socket or metal plug of some kind to support the stem from underneath, not the clamp. Then get a piece of pipe long enough with an I.D. that slides over the stem, but pushes on the INNER bearing race, never the outer. Again, bottom lightly. Voila. The newmann towel/seal rule still applies. Wink
queen of spodes 12/11/2012 2:35am
12/11/2012 2:35am
No way to do this without a press (non destructively)?
BAMX
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BAMX 12/11/2012 12:19pm
12/11/2012 12:19pm
queen of spodes wrote:
No way to do this without a press (non destructively)?
You could try a puller but my guess is that you would just ruin the stem in the process. To add to the advice above, put the nut back on the stem before pressing it back on. It helps keep from destroying the threads when you press it back in.

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queen of spodes 12/11/2012 1:26pm
12/11/2012 1:26pm
Ok well it looks like I may drop the stem off at MSP and have them press it off (unless they charge 100 or so then I'll buy my own press!)
queen of spodes 12/11/2012 2:11pm
12/11/2012 2:11pm
$50 sound right for removing the lower bearing? Another option that I can't budget in right away is picking up this and doing it myself.
BAMX
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BAMX 12/11/2012 2:23pm
12/11/2012 2:23pm
queen of spodes wrote:
$50 sound right for removing the lower bearing? Another option that I can't budget in right away is picking up this and doing it myself.
You can buy that or look for a shop press on Craigslist. I would always rather have the tool than have someone do it.
tmauto769 12/12/2012 4:43am
12/12/2012 4:43am
I have the 12 ton press for $129, and it works just fine for pressing out stems and bearings.
newmann
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newmann 12/12/2012 5:59am
12/12/2012 5:59am
You are bound to know someone with a press. For $25.00 I wouldn't hesitate. $50.00.....ask again and bring a six pack of their favorite beer?
Tracktor
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Tracktor 12/13/2012 10:58am
12/13/2012 10:58am
You can cut the inner race off carefully. Go almost all the way through then pop with a cold chisel. I have a press but have done it this way in the past...........
Big Daddy
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Big Daddy 12/13/2012 10:27pm
12/13/2012 10:27pm Edited Date/Time 12/13/2012 10:32pm
queen of spodes wrote:
Ok well it looks like I may drop the stem off at MSP and have them press it off (unless they charge 100 or so then...
Ok well it looks like I may drop the stem off at MSP and have them press it off (unless they charge 100 or so then I'll buy my own press!)
Who is MSP, and where are they located? Did you get the stem/bearing issue handled? Oh, and the OEM steering bearings that Kawasaki uses has the seal attached to the bearing. It's a pain to service correctly, but it does seal really well. Every aftermarket bearing set I've seen does have the separate seal though. Tracktor's method works too, but it's a little messy.
queen of spodes 12/14/2012 6:02am
12/14/2012 6:02am Edited Date/Time 12/14/2012 6:04am
MSP is in Decatur off Lawrenceville hwy: http://www.mspcycle.com/. They mostly handle road race and dirt track, but they've done small jobs like this for me in the past.

They fixed me up for $37 yesterday, including pressing on the new bearing. I'm satisfied.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 12/14/2012 7:45am
12/14/2012 7:45am
you can cut it off with a dremel by grinding flat spot all the way down the side just to the stem till it pops and separates enough to slide off.

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