Pressing in a 250R Steering stem, whats the trick?

[Super350]

Tried pressing my 85R steering stem back into the triple tonight but seeing how the triple is not flat at all it just keeps pushing it around at an angle, whats the trick? thanks

[82 250r]

What year? Can you post some pics? I'm not sure why you would be pressing anything other than the bottom bearing on an 85-86.

You may need this tool to install the lower bearing.
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/989/32211/Tusk-Steering-Stem-Bearing-Installer?term=steering%20stem%20bearing%20install er

[Keith Salyer]

freeze the stem and heat the bottom clamp in the oven to about 350-400 degrees. falls right in after that. Be sure to use gloves :)

[ironchop]

freeze the stem and heat the bottom clamp in the oven to about 350-400 degrees. falls right in after that. Be sure to use gloves :)

+1.......I use this method al the time and it works outstanding

[Super350]

well I don't know if it was damaged when pressed out or something (looked fine) but I just gave the heat and freeze method a go and ruined it. stem went in about 1/4 of the way then wouldn't budge, even with the use of a hammer. my advice is don't press out your stem unless you have to! hahaha

[Billy Golightly]

Bush from the bearing surface on the top (Directly around the stem hole), not from the sides where the forks slide through and then it'll be straight.