Steering head bearings and water

[Ian_FE501]

All,

Just a reminder about water getting into the steering head bearings, I've just bought another XR with 1500 klms on it, the owner had to replace the bearings for the certificate. The bike obviously hadn't been washed for ages so I gave it one. I removed the stem to check his work and about 100ml of water came out. What's the deal/solution?

The water runs down the hole in the stem with some entering the bearings via the steering lock slot, even more if leant on the side stand.

Solution would be to block the hole at the top.

So when you replace the bearings use heaps of grease, I use the blue Bel-ray water proof.

I guess water would evaporate due to the heat transfer from the oil/frame but most people probably wash the bike after a ride and leave it.

My old XR dosn't have a plug and these bearings have been in for over 20,000 klms now, I'm guesing the water gets in but the grease has created a barrier.

[Thumpmeister]

I also remember reading somewhere that you can use marine wheel bearing grease as well. Thats what I did.

[zipper600]

....and for easier installation of the race bearings put the races on the freezer for a couple of hours..will be easier to fit on the frame:thumbsup:

[martinfan30]

....and for easier installation of the race bearings put the races on the freezer for a couple of hours..will be easier to fit on the frame:thumbsup:

And put the frame in the oven..?

[zipper600]

a incinerator is mandatory...?