Steering head bearing notchy

[Mike_P]

Well I was just about to get the Jota out for its first jaunt in many years….however, I’ve just noticed that when the bike is up on its centre stand the steering is a bit notchy, drop it off the stand and the steering is smooth. So I’m assuming the upper steering head bearings are likely shot. I’m thinking of upgrading to tapered bearings, does anyone know of a supplier for a decent quality tapered bearing kit ?

 

[sfcpiet]

More likely than not it will be the lower tapered bearing that's knackered. It's the one that takes about 98% of the load. Switching to tapered top and bottom won't help prolong the life of the bearings nor will it improve steering noticably.

The steering "smooths out" with the wheel on the ground because the effort required to turn the bars is far higher than with the wheel in the air and the slight notchiness is simply overplayed.

Both tapered and ball bearings are generic types and can be found in the catalogues of all major bearing manufacturers. Personally, I haven't experienced much difference between el cheapo and top notch, expensive bearings. The lower is poorly shielded and wears quickly. At least the upper ball can be a sealed unit and generally out-lasts the lower.

piet

 

[Paul Marx]

Generic bearings.
Sizes are easy to find.

Paul

 

[piranha-bro2]

I used a dust shield similar to the pic on my lower bearing. Available from well-stocked bearing suppliers.

 

[Vince]

I use a stainless cover over my upper bearing, got it from the UK bloke who did or does a bunch of stainless bits for Laverdas. Motalia comes to mind. They used to have a printed list of bits

 

[piranha-bro2]

The one pictured is for bottom bearing only - plenty of donor bikes for top dust seals.

 

[sfcpiet]

Lots of more modern bikes use a lower dust shield with an incorporated rubber lip, far better than the stock type... if you can find one that fits as it should.

But that still won't prevent the bearings from wear, maybe prolong bearing life by a season or two. Ride the bike hard, the bearings will suffer. Has more to do with fork/headstock dimensions and geometry than anything else.

piet