Steering Stem Issue

[R-N-D]

Here is the deal, went to change the steering stem bearing and bought the steering stem some months ago. Took it out of the box and it looks like this. The top bearing came off without a hitch but when it came to the bottom, no such luck. I have all new bearings and dust caps to put on but cannot get the entire bottom portion off. Looks like it was beat to Hell as if someone tried to get it off once before but gave up. Any suggestions or am I in the market to buy a new set? Does the middle stem come off by any chance? Thanks for any help.

[200]

Do you have a dremil or a cut off wheel because i was thinking cut a couple notches in the bottom bearing and then use a hammer and chissel and try to break it the rest of the way. Or if you can get the cut off wheel in there just cut the bearing all the way off.

[R-N-D]

Good idea, I do have a dremel. Worth a shot! Thanks.

[muthey]

you will have to grind the weld out of the bottom of the triple if you have to change the stem, but trying to cut it off is a much better idea first

[Dirtcrasher]

^ Wow, thy weld aluminum to steel?? Must be an amazing process.........

[just ben]

^ Wow, thy weld aluminum to steel?? Must be an amazing process.........

it was a standard practice in the 80's but due to lack of applications it kinda faded away. but seriously, I would use a bearing separator to get that off. I think harbor freight has them for ten bucks or so. but if you cant get one a die grinder and cut off wheel work great

[cbx1170]

Air chisel will take them off. Set up a vibration and use a screwdriver on other side. Done it many times. Dont slip off and gouge anything.

[muthey]

well dc seeing as how the last two sets of triples I worked on were both steel, and in the pictures that looks like 316 stainless to me I thought there might be a weld on the bottom, would have been helpful with a little more info in the task at hand, and if the stem is just bolted on maybe unbolt it and cut the left over bearing with a die grinder with a cut off wheel, simple task.

[R-N-D]

Do you have a dremil or a cut off wheel because i was thinking cut a couple notches in the bottom bearing and then use a hammer and chissel and try to break it the rest of the way. Or if you can get the cut off wheel in there just cut the bearing all the way off.

Fantastic idea! Worked like a charm. Appreciate the help. Cut a notch in it, got it to break free and spin. Slipped right off. Thanks for the help.

[200]

No problem r-n-d glad i could help you out.