Triple Clamp Trouble

:x

I've got the triple clamps off of my '02 FE501e. Reason is the bottom bearing is SHOT. The problem I've run into now is the steering stem is stuck in the bottom clamp. So far I've heated & beated the thing but I can't get it to budge. Any suggestions?!

Thanks,
Rob

HEY,
The bottom clamp and stem are normally a press fit.There is a circlip on the bottom shown in the parts breakdown.It is not usual to remove the stem from the clamp to change steering bearings.

I removed the bottom clip (snap-ring) before my attack commenced. The lower bearing appears to be pressed on as well. I wanted to remove the lower triple clamp so I could torch the bearing off without damaging the aluminum.

As nsman stated the steering stem is pressed into the lower triple clamp. I don't think the bearing is pressed on but it surely sounds stuck.

I would be inclined to use a die grinder with a 3 inch X 3/8 inch 3M Weld Grinding Wheel and grind it off.

I was hoping to steer clear of the grinder method. I hate grinders.

the stem should be steel. they're *******s for sure! i suggest that you go to an engineers who has a proper press to do the job. i would have them put the new one on at the same time coz you're only knock the crap out of it putting the new one on as well.

i went to my engineers and asked him to do the job that i get the 2LB hammer out for. child's play to them!

regards

Taffy

I had to think for a second there, Taffy. By engineer you mean mechanic/machine shop. You had me thinking that you have your very own engineer. If so, you would be the coolest Husarider in the world. I have a friend with a machine shop who will press it out for me if need be.

Thanks,
Rob

in a way i do rob.

i started roadracing in 1981 and i asked a toolmaker friend to make some bits and bobs. he went on to do the CAD design and it was handy for him to 'keep his eye in' then the place he works is short of work and has been for 10 years. i often find him there with solitaire on the screen instead of a 3D design.

whatever i ask for he does it infront of the boss there and then or with the bosses help etc and by the next day! i'm amazed at this as much as i'm sure you are...

so personal toolmaker/engineer?

yes,i think i have!



regards

Taffy

SWEEEEEET

Rob,

I did this job on my 91. Yes, indeed the shaft is pressed onto the lower tripleclamp. The press is pretty tight, not sure what class.

To press it. Press from the bearing side TO the snap ring side, not from the snap-ring side to the bearing side. Reason being is; when they pressed these on, the snap ring was just a convenient stop for them to use, as they pressed it from this side too. Seems counter-intuitive because you think that you are pressing a 10" long piece on, but in reality, it is only a press fit in the one place, where it is supposed to be (for about 1" where the lower triple clamp is). When I pressed mine off, I went the wrong way (aka through the triple toward the bearing).

The part of the shaft that is between the snap-ring groove and the end of the shaft (about 1/4") is a larger diameter than the area where the press fit is. This causes bad things to happen when you push it through, possibly ruining the press fit in the lower clamp. Mine damaged the clamp when I did this. It was also REALLY hard to press out in this direction, because of the lip in the snap ring groove, which is a "sharp" edge, and the larger diameter of that 1/4" of shaft. I was able to recover things and it wasn't so bad in the end, but I learned. Hopefully I am in time to learn you too.

My 2 cents. Hope it helps.

-Parsko

PS- The correct triple bearing are Timkens, I have the P/N at home. They have a seal built into them. Also, if you get the old race out, do yourself a favor. Grind/file/dremel/whatever two grooves into the lip that you press the race onto. Husaberg does not do this, likely cause of cost. It will make the next time you pull the races out WAY easier, cause you will have a lip to pound on with a hammer and punch. Otherwise you will be trying to pound on the race with a lip that is around 1mm thick. I did not change my races for this reason (plus they don't even make a complete revolution). I can tell too, cause it ain't perfectly smooth. Wish I did.

Thanks Parsko,

I plan on tackling this tonight. Did you use any heat? I, fortunately, have a bearing manufacturer very close to my house where I plan on getting the parts I need.

Thanks Again,
Rob

No heat needed if pressed correctly. It's actually pretty easy to do if done right. A 12" arbor press would do the trick. I did it on one in the lab downstairs here at work (at lunch).

-Parsko

I will be using much more primitive tooling. Such as a vise & sockets, possibly a C-clamp if I can't fab the right adapters for the vise.

Got impatient & slightly more primitive. Used hammer & it worked fine.

Tools required for lower steering stem bearing R&I:

1)3lb sledge
2)1-1/16" Deep Well Socket
3)Piece of hardwood
4)Punch (or something similar)