steering problem
 

I am noticing that there is a flat spot in my steering travel. When I move the bars from left to right, I notice that when the bars are pointed straight ahead, there is a resistance as if there were a notch that the steeing head is falling into. The bike is still ridable; but when pointed straight ahead, it has a pronounced resistance to light steering inputs.

My thoughts are on the steering bearings. I looked at the manual and it seems fairly straight forward to remove the steering stem and replace the bearings. Has anyone done this repair on their bike? Do I need special tools? (manual mentions a steering stem socket and extension).

If I replace the bearings, do I also have to replace the races? Is there a special tool required to remove the races. At this point any input or advice I can get will be a great help and very much appreciated.
Thanks

Steering head bearings definitely need replacing.
Not difficult to do, but you may need a special tool to remove the retaining nut holding the stem together. There are bearings top and bottom, replace both AND the seals.

Look on e-Bay for AllBalls bearings - buy tapered ones if you can get them.

Send a PM to Malbojah - he's done the job. He's made a special tool to get the nut off too !
(There is a post on it - maybe in the "how to" section)

Good luck.:)

I found this page to be a huge help
*** Mike Martin's ST1100 Maintenance Tips - Steering Head Bearing Replacement***
I bought the steering stem socket and am also in nj. PM me your address and I'll send it to you as long as you send it back when your done. Good luck.

They are available direct from all balls- 22-1020 All Balls Racing

ok, looks like the old girl is going to get some attention. Thank you for your input on the tools and parts I will need. I'll look for the tapered bearings and I also saw a tool (steering head socket) for the 1000f on ebay. I appreciate your offer to send me the tool for the time it takes to do the job; but frankly, I love an excuse to buy a new tool provided it is not too expensive. I think I'll spring the 35 bucks on ebay and just have it on hand. THank you so much, however, for the gracious offer.

Gotta go to work. I'll read the links you all provided when I get home. Thanks so much

Amazing, 9 hours from go to whoa, with the offer of a loan tool on the way. Love this site.

Who doesn't love new tools

Thank you so much for all the information. I place an order with Allballsracing and got the bearings plus fork seals and dusk caps for 65 bucks including shipping. I think I can get the tools I need on ebay although I appreciate your offer to loan me the tools. Sounds good so far.
Thanks

If you like to DIY, here's a pic of a 35mm socket I modded for the steering-head.
It only cost $12 and 15 minutes with a dremel and a cut-off wheel....

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...00651219_n.jpg


Good luck, Ern

Ern - Malbo has a patent suit coming against ya for that :D