Head bearings

[Troll]

I don't have much for pictures, but I'll see what I have that might be useful..since I only worked for short periods at a time, didn't really think to bring a camera out...

[chief]

Troll if you do the write-up and provide the pics I'll post a page in the mods area.

[Troll]

Any estimate I would have can only be based on my experience. I have no heat in my garage, and I could only work on it when the temps were above 20. It's not a hard job, just tedious. I would have to guess, that with the right tools and heat, so your hands keep functioning, maybe 2 hours..I dumped my fork oil, replaced the springs and polished the lower legs during the process, so the actual bearing replacement is lost in the mix. The big thing I had to deal with was the cup removal...I had to make a tool.

[plevine1]

Thanks Troll
"IF" I decided to let the dealer handle this job, how many hours would you estimate the job should take?

[Troll]

  Yes, it does. Just did it last Winter on my '01....The big problem is the cups in the neck. There is a special tool that the dealer is supposed to have to take them out. I made my own from drawings in the service manual. I also drilled and put in a grease fitting on the right side of the neck to make packing the bearings an easy job. If this is not something you have done before, you might find it a very complicated job. I'll be glad to send you the instructions and drawings via email, or post them for everybody to see....

[plevine1]

Seems like I will need to replace the head bearing on my 99 1500. I have a dead spot in the steering wheel does the entire front end need to come off for this job?