Steering stem assembly

[caldera]

I'm in the process of restoring a 1984 ATC 200S and I have the entire chassis torn down. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips as to putting the ball bearings back into the steering column when I reassemble this thing. I've messed with this only once before on my old dirtbike and it gave me hell while reassembling it. Just wondering if anyone has any tricks to the trade.

[atctim]

it is pretty easy if you have an ATV lift. If not - you'll need a buddy to help you out. the best way to do this is as follows:

#1 - clean the stem of all old grease and grim
#2 - put some fresh grease down - the kind that comes from a grease gun.
#3 - set the balls down in the grease - it is sticky enough to hold them in place.
#4 - either lower the ATV lift or have someone help you slide the stem back up into the neck.

NOTE++++You'll want the front end to be set on solid ground and let the frame down around it.

[MonroeMike]

If you don't want to mess with all those ball bearings, they offer a steering stem bearing kit, for a replacement.

Here's one

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=505737&store=Main&catId=&productId=p505737&leafCatId=&mmyId=7225

[Dirtcrasher]

I take the forks off to make life easier, some guys leave them on the lower clamp....

I put a trash bag underneath to catch the balls, clean them with gas or ?? and put them back in with some good grease. The grease holds the lower ones on, then hold the lower up tight while you drop in the uppers.

I do 99% of my work alone, you just have to think and be very creative sometimes :D

It's a great idea to update like MM suggested but some guys have a bit of trouble removing the old lower inner race, just be aware that it does take a bit of work to get those kits in there correctly :beer

[caldera]

I really didn't want to pull it apart, but the old grease was in bad shape so I'm glad I did. It does sound like it'll be a lot easier to manage with the front forks off so I'm not fighting with as much weight on the column. I need to go look at it again, but thinking right off, could I just turn the frame upside down so I'm not fighting gravity putting the bottom bearings in?

[atctim]

you could do that caldera - never thought of doing it that way.

[Dirtcrasher]

Sure, upside down, oil everywhere - sounds like a fun time :D

Those 4 pesky 4 bolts ya know...........

Wouldn't gravity fight the top balls back in at that point??

Why god why......................... kill me now please.

[oscarmayer]

i use a floor jack fo do mien when I work on them. i lower it right onto the neck slowly and vwala! she's seated!

[litebulblsc]

Its nothing to bad. I put the grease in the outer race and tried it that way. Then I greases the inner race and put the balls on it. Rolled it over to where the rest of the trike was and lifted and set it on there. Once the bottoms are done, the tops are easy.

[Twizted]

I just did mine on my 200s like 3 weeks ago. very simple, like the guys said grease the bottom race and put the balls on the bottom race( 21 balls)...the grease will hold them in place, put the top balls in the neck with grease (21 balls), slide the stem up put the top race on then the washer and tighten the spanner nut snug and back it off 1/8 turn. that's it! good luck

[atctim]

Sure, upside down, oil everywhere - sounds like a fun time :D

Those 4 pesky 4 bolts ya know...........

Wouldn't gravity fight the top balls back in at that point??

Why god why......................... kill me now please.

I was visualizing this without a motor in it. Doing this with the motor in - I'll be next in line for the killings please! LOL -

That would be like having one guy on a ladder and 4 guys holding the ladder and walking it in circles to change out a light bulb type thing!

[litebulblsc]

I did mine by myself with the motor in without a lift or anything. It was still really simple.


Or you can do it the way I did a while ago when I put the motorcycle front end on. Lift the trike till the front tire is 8" off the ground a put a piece of wood under it to hold it. Then do your lower bearing as described before and push the stem up in. Tighten down the stem and get the wood out from under. Loosen the stem and do the upper bearing and tighten it all down.

[caldera]

oh no, this frame is torn down, no motor in it. There's no way in hell I'm gonna flip a frame with a motor in it. Just gotta wait for my next day off to blast and paint up the frame. I hit up the steering stem nut and fork bridge with some buffing compound and the dremel and I'm satisfied with being able to see myself in it. Came out better than expected, I'll post pics later