How do I remove the lower steering head bearing?

[jimikarat]

I have removed the lower triple clamp and steering head from my 2012 450 XCW.  The upper bearing comes off easily, but the lower bearing won't come off.  It seems like the steering head has to be removed from the lower triple clamp, but I'm not sure.  Any tips on that?  I am just trying to remove it so I can clean and grease it.  Thanks. 

[hezzdown]

It needs to be pressed off. You can either buy the tool or have a local shop do it if you want to save on the cost of the bearing tool.

[jimikarat]

Thanks Hezz.  

 

Can it reasonably be cleaned and greased without removing it?  When you say pressed off, you mean it comes up off the top of the steering stem, same end as the upper bearing was removed from, correct?  One more - do you have the part number of the tool?  Thanks again!!

[hezzdown]

Thanks Hezz.

Can it reasonably be cleaned and greased without removing it? When you say pressed off, you mean it comes up off the top of the steering stem, same end as the upper bearing was removed from, correct? One more - do you have the part number of the tool? Thanks again!!

That is correct, bearing comes off the top of the steering stem. Yes, I clean and grease mine on the stem. Only time it comes off is to replace it. I believe motion pro makes a tool to remove the bearing. Try also make another tool to put the bearing back on but you can easily make a tool for installing much cheaper! Sorry I don't have part numbers for ya. Do a search for motion pro tools and you should find what I'm referring to. Other companies make similar tools for cheaper as well.

[Wicked31]

You don't need to remove the bearing to clean and grease it. Many times the bearing can get damaged when removing it.

[naeve44]

I cut mine off with a grinder and to put on a new one I put bearing on small burner on high and it dropped right on

[jimikarat]

Thanks everybody!!