How to Lube Your Motorcycle Steering Head Bearings | MC Garage

Greasing your steering head bearings is tedious and time-consuming job, but it’s an important one since the condition and health of your head bearings has a huge effect on your bikes steering and handling. In this video from the MC Garage, Ari will walk you through the process.
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Greasing your steering head bearings is tedious and time-consuming job, but it’s an important one since the condition and health of your head bearings has a huge effect on your bikes steering and handling.
Your front end pivots on two bearings, one at the top of the headstock and one at the bottom. To get to them, you’ll need to support the bike and raise the front end, then tear off the entire front of the bike. Here’s a tip: Before you remove the forks, handlebar, or clip ons, take some measurements and leave yourself some index marks on the handlebars or clip-ons so that everything goes back where it belongs.
Most modern bikes use caged ball bearings or caged roller bearings, but bikes from the 70s and earlier usually have loose ball bearings that are going to try make a break for it during this next step. If you’ve got a vintage bike, put a rag under the steering head to catch any loose bearings that fall out.
With the front end stripped, it’s time to reveal those bearings. Unscrew the top triple clamp nut and remove it, then pop the upper triple clamp off, then pull the lower triple clamp out of the bottom of the headstock. If it’s giving you trouble, give it a hit with a soft-blow mallet. The upper bearing is a loose fit in the frame and you can just pluck it out, but the lower bearing is press-fit on the steering stem.
Using a rag and solvent, thoroughly clean the old grease from all the parts, then inspect the components for dents, pitting, or corrosion. Inspect the seals, too. Anything other than a smooth, clean surface on the bearings and races means it’s time for fresh parts. We’ll cover bearing replacement in another video.
Repack the bearings with quality waterproof grease. The best way to pack a bearing is by putting a glob of grease in your palm and pressing the bearing into it, so grease gets packed in between the balls. For the lower bearing, carefully press grease into the bearing with your finger. If your bike has loose ball bearings, you’ll need to apply grease to the outer races and then carefully set the balls into place.
Now reassemble the triple clamp by sliding the lower triple up through the headstock, drop in the upper bearing, the inner race and seal, and spinning on the adjustment collar. Then put on the triple clamp and spin on the triple clamp nut.
Don't tighten anything down yet-you need to set the tension on the head bearings. Slide the forks into place to align the triples and snug the lower pinch bolts, then adjust the bearings so so there's no play or drag.
With that done, all you have to do is reassemble the rest of the front end! Yeah, like I said in the intro, this is a pretty tedious job, but your bike with thank you. Make sure you reference your notes and pictures, and make sure you torque everything down according to your shop manual.
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[@TaylorSatula]

I'm super stoked MC Garage is going into more advanced things than oil changes and chain lube. These videos are great and describe complex subjects in ways viewers can get a overview before picking up a shop manual and doing it on their own. Keep them coming, guys!

[@alexanderzerka8477]

With Chinese imports, _this is the shop manual!_

[@gonecoyote]

i fucking love MC GARAGE

[@ScoutingwithDigger]

yep!

[@poolpoolification]

me too, he didnt talk about the brand of grease, WATER PROOF or not? hevay duty or light all purpose ! it is not like condom lube for god sakes!LOL

[@joshuacarver3875]

Even if I'm not gonna do these projects I still watch the whole video they are packed with information. Thank you keep up the great videos

[@hectorolmos3011]

You guys make the best videos! The MC Garage has given me a lot of great info, where can I get a shirt and stickers to support you guys??

[@Spitfireseven]

Thankyou so much for this video. This is something we all need and that is a realistic idea of how this process is done. Just great actual maintenance.

[@jigsaw3917]

Very tedious job but what a wealth of good information if one wishes to tackle such a challenging task. "Phenomenal tutorial!!!!"

[@Macs-Bike-Life]

I won't try this at home. Thank you very much bro, you are doing a great job

[@javierr1blue]

I always learned from yall. Thanks

[@RevBomb]

i love watching this channel

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Brilliant mate!

[@bobsmithers1924]

Good teacher young man

[@4theriders]

great how-to!

[@MisterBrauer]

You guys need to start selling some merch. I'd be keen to get a T-shirt like that one.

[@TaylorSatula]

Absolutely. I'd get one.

[@mickeypopa]

I want Ari's sneakers but with MC logo on them. 😂

[@kpraz]

Thank you!

[@DJMotoVlogs]

This looks like a job that's out of my skill level but still a fun video to watch.

[@cyrilleloreau1603]

I am going to attempt this for the first time. IF I can do, trust me so you can you.

[@gibronnaqeelandries3406]

Follow the steps its not technical or hard save money cause you need to do this every year

[@gibronnaqeelandries3406]

@@cyrilleloreau1603 go for it trust even my grandma can do it

[@wilrob53]

It's a god awful job but worth it

[@riding2nowhere]

@@gibronnaqeelandries3406 you have a fairing on your bike that makes it harder no one ever makes a video on how to do that with a fairing

[@franksyed1]

thank you

[@WicakMifta]

nice information! but do we need to do it on 2 or 3 yrs old bike?

[@narecardoso2]

You're good man!!!

[@cyrilleloreau1603]

Thank you for confirming what I thought would be what I had to do... glue the bearings back in place. I should have taken picturse of the wiring in the headlight (during removal) that's gonna be an adventure in itself. I would have liked you to show us the order of the peices (bearing caps) and any washers that need to go back in a particular order but I guess that will be obvious when I put them back together. All that said, thanks for this and now off I go. Cheers

[@massi940]

Super informative video! how often do you recommend lubricating the bearings?

[@mrmenan6450]

Heavy duty mate :)

[@mohamedhefnawy102]

Attach a magnet to the outer surface of the place you stick the ball bearings to the grease in their place so they attracted to their place without falling

[@gerardodonaire699]

Awesome

[@Sahkopekka200]

This bike is a mess :D I would have rebuilt that already :P Thanks for the good quality video :D My steering suddenly got stiff while I was visiting a store, like somebody had tightened the nut on the steering axle or whatever.. Im gonna dissassemble tomorrow to see whats up

[@robertwyrick7895]

I would love to see a video on a valve adjustment using shims one day lol.

[@gearhead919]

Hey, great video thanks for posting! If you could spend a little more time on properly adjusting the tension on the top bearing cup before triple tree installation I think that would really help the viewers. Improper tension would have likely led to enough play in the head tube bearings to cause the dimples in the race in the first place, so this seems like a critical step yo me. Thanks for the awesome vid! Cheers!

[@Arkadix11]

I would love to gain such a confidence in dis- and reassembling my bike. For now all I am not afraid of doing is changing oil and and oil filter ._.

[@devendrakumaravi]

its very informative, I have one question about, I feel my bikes neck stem is somewhat bent while riding its look like not straighten, How to adjust neck stem? it will be very helpful. I have Yamaha FZ25.

[@RidingWithGerdas]

Can you make a video about steering bar types and how they effect ride and control, I have classic style naked bike, not sure what steering bar type I have, but it's going to be replaced, I wonder how their styles would feel like touring, street riding, longer, narrower and etc.

[@fredrally]

An other amazing video has always Ari! Can you please make a video about tyre pressures on sport bikes? Keep your awesome job

[@richardwheeler4450]

When you put the lower stock on was there a gap at the bottom or did the whole thing sit flush? I did mine but not sure if they went up enough in the bottom. keep up the good work.

[@supermotofrank]

Keep in mind everyone: if you do have loose ball bearings and need to replace them All Balls brand bearings do offer a decent variety of upgrade kits to switch over to modern tapered roller bearings!! Also bearing packers are your best friend for tapered rollers!! 1 down 5 up Braaawwwpppp

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

You guys should do a video on how to do a valve adjustment on say a Vstar 1300! Just saying!

[@firebird14420]

Dang was hoping to see the whole bearing and races done. Great video though.

[@marioalves7610]

Did you end up doing a video on replacement of the bearings

[@4EyeSnipeR]

Any chance you guys are planing to do some tutorial about electricity in motorcycles? My wiring is giving me some headache.

[@ticks2012]

Hi MC Garage, i have a Versys 650 2010 MY, lately I've been feeling some light 'clunk' as i press the front brake.. i think the front bearings might be going soon..?

[@Andrew-qu8xy]

what is the common loose ball bearing diameter/size for steering head bearings?

[@GhostRider94]

sir my bike is wobbling in corner front side any help?

[@poolpoolification]

wheel balancing bent rim, worn tire, broken spoke, bad install on bead/ rim yes ur welcome

[@GhostRider94]

thnx

[@riding2nowhere]

Mine too is doing that steering head bearings that's what I was told

[@elijahbutterfield4869]

Which kinda grease though? Harley has its own specifically, but I've heard it's lower quality, Green grease seems to be the most common, And then high temp marine grease afterwards, Followed by regular grease, lithium, and red n tacky, But red n tacky seems to not hold up as well. So... is there a solid answer somewhere out there?

[@chuongtrungvuong9480]

How often they need to be done? Or is there any sign that they need to be done? Video looks good, but looks like it not a DIY job for everyone either do not have enough skills or tools. What about newer bikes? Thanks in advance.

[@DA2THFA1RY]

CUSTOM Sick Shit love it lol

[@jaggishwetha682]

Hi my brand new motorcycle wobble in low speed also showing over weight plz Tel Suggestions

[@cspteja]

Did you end up making a video on how to replace the steering head bearings? I need to do this on my Ninja 300 o take it in.

[@lucasekman1708]

dont think he did, though there is tons of other videos on it!

[@bondmsfood6077]

Hi sir, what is the front suspension oil capacity of Suzuki Gs 150 R?

[@stockton350]

Why not stick the bbs to the lower race instead of the shell?

[@VFRZen]

Thanks for the vid. I just paid my dealer to lube my steering head bearings at the 15k mile service on my 2015 Versys 650 and rode away with several hundred fewer dollars in my pocket. The manual recommends doing this every 15k miles. Is this really needed? In the past I have only replaced my steering head bearings every 40k miles. I can't imagine the new bikes are using shoddy bearings so I'm curious if you think a replace every 40k (assuming 10k miles per year) plan would be sufficient. I honestly can't afford a $500 expense every year and a half for bearing lube. Thx in advance for your input; I'll hang up and listen now.

[@valebliz]

I think every 15k miles is really unnecessary on a road bike. If you don't ride on the dirt or leave your bike out all winter, i would at least double that. At least.

[@Preflightterror4]

if you can't afford it then buy some bearing grease for 12$ and do it your self...

[@Mech.E]

Can someone refer me to the video on how to replace the bearings? Been looking for it but cant find it

[@1scott921]

I know it's individula to a riding style and a motorcycle, but every how many km/miles should we do this if we're sporty causal (normal) riders??

[@Bladsmith]

When you feel notches in the steering with the front lifted.

[@garyhumphreys1656]

What grease did you use

[@carlover01]

How hard is it the replace wheel seal on a shaft drive bike? Got a buddy with a leaky mean streak.

[@AriH211]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, sorry. In general seals themselves are easy to replace. It's getting to them that's the problem!

[@coolguy79jeffrey]

i would rather replace the bearing if i would need to remove all the parts. the bearing aren't that expensive either.

[@Winterstick549]

Jeffrey Lai With tappered bearings.

[@poolpoolification]

i have to do this task.I just put in a new engine.That seems easy compared to this nightmare.My bike is a restoration project that i got for 200.00 - Its a 2010 bike that sat in the rain for 3 years. I see this is going to be a royal pain in the ass. but must be done, as my steering is poor.

[@phoff5850]

Jon Cook but with your bike being a 2010, I would assume that it has caged bearings. yes, the disassembly/reassembly part will still be a pain, but you shouldn't have to worry about the individual ball bearings falling and getting lost in every dark corner of your garage.

[@andrewkillen4375]

Is this the same with dirt bikes, I have a 2001 ttr. Is that also old enough for the loose ball bearings or is it a new enough bike that there encased?

[@MotorcyclistMag]

Yes, it'll be the same setup with dirt bikes. Your TTR *should* have caged bearings.

[@andrewkillen4375]

+Motorcyclist Magazine Awesome, thanks!!

[@roadtoad3484]

How about a brake master cylinder rebuild?

[@poolpoolification]

there is a video for that one, dont get that shit in ur eye

[@sugarhoneybunch08]

Am I the only one that likes when he says, "lube" ? Yes, no, maybe? 😎

[@leungdanver3818]

Honda NV400

[@Sqagg]

What's the difference between this and say a 2007 R1's steering head bearings job?

[@TheGeordieBiker]

The R1 wont have loose bearings :) so do what he says and dunk it in the grease haha

[@88namiller]

Great video. You usually mention to tighten everything to the specs in the manual, but I don't have a torque wrench. Any tips for tightening things without a torque wrench?

[@AriH211]

Just buy a torque wrench! ironically, you'll develop good feel for specific torques once you've been using a torque wrench for a while, but without that reference there's no way to know how much force you're applying. A torque wrench is a must if you'll be working on your own bike.

[@88namiller]

Okay, I guess I'll start looking around for one. Thanks.

[@gsgarland83]

Now I know why someone installed a grease zerc on my old brit bike!

[@AriH211]

Our producer owns "El Diablo Negro" now. I think he took some photos recently so he can sell it on CL. And now he can say the head bearings have been serviced!

[@gsgarland83]

With a video as proof! (Though no proof those dented races were replaced...) ;)

[@whorepet]

If I had a garage I'd probably have picked apart my motorcycle piece by piece by now

[@roadtoad3484]

Where is the next video in this series?

[@poolpoolification]

he is working on a bike , rings , piston slap. ass slapper

[@ChiragChaudhari]

Any particular type of grease? Or any grease will do?

[@MotorcyclistMag]

any high-quality waterproof grease will get the job done.

[@ChiragChaudhari]

@@MotorcyclistMag thank you for such a quick response. Using this video I successfully lubed 1995 Kawasaki Ninja 250 steering Bearings.

[@vulcanizer44]

@@MotorcyclistMag what spray can cleaner you using to clean the steering stem , brake cleaner?

[@pasolesoup7430]

Do you just pump the brake lever or bleed the brakes after?

[@BryceandKyle]

Pump. This is to make sure the pads are close to the disc before you ride.

[@joshuacarver3875]

Bleeding the brakes is only if you want to completely change brake fluid but pumping them gets brakes fluid bake into the empty hose from taking off the caliper

[@hivizhonda9486]

How many miles are typically on a bike before this needs to be done?

[@TheGeordieBiker]

I'd imagine it would be one of those yearly tasks or every few years

[@AriH211]

It depends largely on the riding conditions. Wet and/or dusty conditions will call for more frequent service. Here in California where it pretty much never rains I'd say every 5 years or 50,000 miles. But on dirtbikes it's more like every few months!

[@riding2nowhere]

Why not put new ones on since you have it apart

[@loosegoose9647]

and if you have a fully faired bike...this will take an additional 3 months to complete, even with caged bearings xD

[@stevemack389sm]

was that a Honda 400 custom?

[@shanakapiumal]

Yes, It seems like it Buddy

[@glowiever]

my bike use cone headset bearings. I ain't gonna go thru hell again just to lube it. nope, wait until it needs replacing instead

[@Goodman-4525]

Has Zack failed to sell his $1000 bike or have you bought it from him ?

[@AriH211]

Our producer owns "El Diablo Negro" now. I think he took some photos recently so he can sell it on CL. And now he can say the head bearings have been serviced!

[@MotoVirtuo]

Put a ratchet strap on the ceiling / handlebars, take nuts off of steering head, lift bike on jack and there you have it, access. No reason to disassemble the whole front end

[@oseeuwimana3945]

to day is my first day to look at MC GARAGE is ok. but try to say slowly for us African. I can not understand all words

[@valebliz]

I think i will leave this to a mechanic lol

[@gooondie]

Hahaha you guys havent sold those yet!!!

[@AriH211]

Why would we when it's so handy to have for demonstrations!

[@gooondie]

+Ari Henning True! Where's that Katana? That thing is so hideous! 😂

[@bilalhashmi4622]

+Michael Cuellar it could make a mouth watering of a cafe racer if you have the vision and the skills..

[@khakimzhanmiras]

looks like a pain in the ass = job for next owner

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

Looks like a pain in the ass to do it every year. Maybe if people didn't beat the shit out of their motorcycles with wheelies and stuf, those bearings last a decade or more untouched.

[@MrBeefsnorkel]

surprising this video has only half the views rest of your how-to's do. just goes to show how little people give attention to their bike! sad

[@napochulo]

Take shot every time triple clamp is said..

[@foxhemo8084]

1 dislike = Harley Davidson rider

[@bobsmithers1924]

Fox Hemo Just basic knowledge bro