From: Richard Rabe Subject: Vmax V-Max steering bearings To all those considering changing your steering head bearings, consider this first. Obtain the bearing numbers stamped on the bottom of each race and call your local bearing supply shop or manufacturer. I gave these numbers to a local shop (upper: Koyo-Hi-cap#32005JR, lower: Koyo-Hi-cap#32006JR) and they were able to cross reference these. I'm am now getting replacements for $11 dollars each. When I phoned my local Yamaha dealer they wanted $53.90 for the upper bearing and $46.00 for the lower! If you have a friend that works at a machine shop, he/she may be able to get you a discount through their supplier. I hope this tip can save some of you money also!! - -- Richard Rabe --------------------------- Subject: Vmax Re: Bearings and Seals HI I get all my bearings and seals from a place called Worldwide Bearings Inc.the prices are good, and they never failed to get me any bearing or seal that I ever needed.They also supply the hard to get Vitron seals. The phone # is - (973) 575-5229 or fax# (973)575-5969 They are located in Fairfield,N.J., and do UPS shipping.\ Dennis- VMOA#335 ---------------------------- [for removing bottom steering head bearing race] OK Scott and Bob......old machinist trick here (I'm old)so pay attention. You take your mig or arc welder and weld a small bead around the inside of the race where the bearing usually rides and let it cool. What happens??? The weld shrinks (taking the race with it) when cooling and the race will FALL OUT. Really! I have done it a hundred times without fail. This works on cars and other vehicles with stubborn races that are pressed in a hole. DO NOT heat the outside of the frame to get those races out. =================================================== Paul Sayegh V-Max Technical List Administrator VMOA Northwest Director V-Max web page http://www.sayegh.org/tips.htm ===================================================