R+R Steering Bearings - Part II - Replace
Smooth sailing throughout this job :)
I used the inverted old outer races to tap the new frozen races into the frame tube. Note that a visible gap remains under the top race even after it is fully seated. This had me concerned for a while until I discovered it was okay. The bottom race seats deeper into the frame tube.
The oven-warmed 300-degree lower inner bearing dropped easily onto the frozen lower triple-tree with a fresh dust seal, and I tapped it with a socket just to make sure.
Determining the proper torque for the steering tube on the bearings is tough, especially with the fluid block damper resistance. I thought about leaving the FBD uninstalled but, well, I had the fresh lube and all, so what the hell. I used a large pipe wrench on the big knurled steering nut until the un-forked triple trees felt rough to turn, then I backed off the nut a tiny bit. With the weight of the forks and wheel installed the front end turns much easier now.
Don't forget to leave the upper triple tree fork bolts loose when adjusting the bearing tightness. Then torque them down once the bearings are set.
Had to bleed the front brakes since the master cylinder was upside down for a day.
Goin' out for a ride in the sun later today.