(Sherco 2009) Do You Need Special Tools To Change The Stem Bearings?

[lewis cosgrove]

Going to change the stem (steering) bearings soon, cleaned the old ones before so know how to get to them fine. But wondering if you need any special tools to remove and replace them?

[tony27]

Not sure whether you can get a drift on the outside of the outer race or not, 3 or 4 spots of weld on the bearing surface will shrink the outer race enough for it to fall out

The lower inner race/bearing is generally pressed onto the stem & requires you to either cut it apart or press the stem out of the yoke, other possibility is to use a split bearing remover which slides between the yoke & bearing. For the number of times you're likely to use 1 of these I'd just take it to a shop & have them do it for you

[copemech]

Unfortunatly the lower bearing itself on the steering stm and lower fork clamp can be a real pain to get off and back without damageing things in the process.

After doing a couple these, I soon found it easier to keep them well lubed to prevent water entry and pitting.

They can be soo tight on the shaft that splitting the bearing is neccessary, or freezing before the press process. Add to that freezing the ali and heating the new part prior to install.

So, yes, best left to those with the gear to do it!