350X Steering Stem Question.

[Boss]

Ok so i took apart the 350x i just got. When i took apart the steering stem much to my suprise a bunch of ball bearings came out. It this right? I would think that the stems would take a sealed bearing and not a loose one. Any one that might know please tell as i'm at a loss here.

[longbedGTs]

Im pretty sure its normal. My old 84 200M and 125M had the same thing. I wonder why they didnt put them in a retainer...

[bp739]

Yea, its right, theres no seal in there. Just run a nice bead of grease around the neck and put them back in...

[deathman53]

85's used ball bearings and 86's had tapered bearings

[Gdkarma]

I'd suggest buying a new set of bearings, that are tapered rollers (correct me if that term is wrong Dads) and your problems will be solved.

[dads]

85's used ball bearings and 86's had tapered bearings


I'm sorry to inform you your wrong on the 86. It has a plastic retainer that held the top ball bearings and the bottoms were free.

the tapered bearings are the way to go. You put a preload on them so your front end does not flop around like a dogs tail.

[likestrikes]

Yea, its right, theres no seal in there. Just run a nice bead of grease around the neck and put them back in...


There is both a seal on the bottom and another seal under the top adjusting nut - which is discontinued incidentally.

[X053]

Ok so i took apart the 350x i just got. When i took apart the steering stem much to my suprise a bunch of ball bearings came out. It this right? I would think that the stems would take a sealed bearing and not a loose one. Any one that might know please tell as i'm at a loss here.
PM dads, He'll hook ya up with the All Balls Tapered roller bearings. :headbang:
Big improvement over the loose balls! :thumbsup: