Steering Stem - Cutting out old bearing cups, how exactly?

[JCainFJ]

 The H-CLORRTs (I  have two) have been retired. This Park tool is much better at removing the lower race.
We have one at the shop and it works too well! I pull it up through the bottom bearing till the fingers "click" into the grove between the race and the frame, then I just knock the bearing out. It  works on lots of bearing sizes too. Its only $30.00!

     
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=51&item=RT%2D2#

     
ITEM # RT-2
Head Cup Remover- Oversized

Designed for the 1-1/4 inch and 1-1/2 inch headest standards, the RT-2 Head Cup Remover makes headset cup removal easy. The tool is pulled through the frame until the flared ends snap in behind the cup. A blow on the tool head removes the cup. Strong, heat treated alloy steel with a nickel finish. 

   




 
   

[Pat Conlon]

Don't you just love this forum?

Thanks Jon. I'm gonna save this and put it in the service files.

Thanks Marsh.

[FJ Flyer]

Good idea, Pat.  This always comes up.

And thank you again, Mr. Cain, for saving my bacon, lo those seven years ago!   

[FJato]

I might have missed it, but I couldn't feel any of the race that would provide and edge to pull or pound on. I had to weld the stem bearing inner race (that was cut from the stem) to the lower outer race, using it to drive the race out with a drift and hammer.

[fj1250]

Simple solution if you have a welder.

Cut a flat piece of metal that will fit across the inside of the lower bearing race. Weld it to the race. Drive it straight out with any old punch long enough to reach it. forget all the dremelling!
MC

[wakdady]

i know this is old, but i am trying to do mine right now. annnndddd.......
wtf omfg this shit is retarded!!!!!!!



i dont have welding at my disposal. and the bottom race does NOT have a lip. any tips or advise on this? I'm afraid of cutting into the stem itself.

[mz_rider]

You have my sympathies, the steering head bearings are a pain. When I did mine I was able to drive out the upper race. I used a Dremel mini-drill with a small grinding disc to cut two slots in the lower race (this took a lot of time & discs) Then split the race with a chisel.

Stuart

[mikeholzer]

You have my sympathies, the steering head bearings are a pain. When I did mine I was able to drive out the upper race. I used a Dremel mini-drill with a small grinding disc to cut two slots in the lower race (this took a lot of time & discs) Then split the race with a chisel.

Stuart

Thats precisely how I did it, too. A lot of time spent, but it's the easiest way if you aren't able to weld. While you're in there, drill and tap the stem for a grease zerk so you can periodically add some lube.