[How To: Remove a Honda stem bearing] - ATV Riders Forums - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Polaris, CanAm, Arctic Cat, Kymco ATVs

Pages:1

How To: Remove a Honda stem bearing
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Pappy

The steering stem bearing is one of the most often overlooked bearings on any ATV, mainly because its a bit of work to get it out. However, it can affect how well your ATV steers if it gets worn out and freezes up, and should be replaced every season if you ride alot of water and mud.

I decided to use pictures of a bare frame so it would be easier to describe how to get the actual bearing out of the frame. The steps needed to get the steering stem out are fairly simple.

1. Remove front plastic

2. Remove handle bars from stem and just let them set out of the way, there is no need to remove the cables and wiring from the bars.

3. Loosen and remove tie rod ends from stem

4. Loosen stem clamp and remove

5. Stand ATV on grab bar and remove cotter pin and stem nut

6. Slide stem up and out of frame

Once the stem is removed, you will be able to see the upper dust seal

Posted by: Pappy

Using a large flat blade screwdriver or similiar flat ended item, lift the dust seal out of the way and inspect for damage.

Posted by: Pappy

With the dust seal removed, you can now locate the snap ring that holds the actual bearing in place.

Posted by: Pappy

An inexpensive set of snap ring pliers will be needed to remove the snap ring

Posted by: Pappy

The snap ring pliers perform 2 functions depending on which way you have them set. For removale, you will want them to close the gap on the snap ring when squeezing the pliers.

Insert the tips of the snap ring, squeeze and remove the snap ring

Posted by: Pappy

The snap ring is removed and can be cleaned and oiled before reassembly

Posted by: Pappy

Even with good seals, moisture can still wreak havoc on the bearing

Posted by: Pappy

From the bottom side of the frame, you will see the stem spacer that can be removed with your finger. Do not forget to reinsert this item when reassembling your parts

Posted by: Pappy

Even though it is zinc coated, corrosion will attack it. This is the same coating that those high dollar pivot bolts are coated with, now you can see that it does not prevent rust and corrosion however it will be able to be cleaned and oiled and reused as the zinc coating should prevent it from becoming pitted.

Posted by: Pappy

The next step is to remove the lower dust seal

Posted by: Pappy

From the bottom side of the frame, use a wide punch to drive out the old bearing. There is not much force required to drive it out

Posted by: Pappy

Inspect the bearing (this one is obviously toast!)

The inner part of the bearing should spin freely and smooth. They are fairly inexpensive to replace, so use your judgement whether to clean and reuse or replace.

Reinstallation is the reverse order of removal.

Clean and inspect the frame where the bearing goes, and lightly oil the machined area before reinstalling the bearing. This is also the best time to re-rease your upper stem bushing.