Steering head bearings

[Zombie Master]

Of course there are a lot of variables, but how often do you re-grease your head bearings. How long are they lasting between replacements?

[ME 109]

Of course there are a lot of variables, but how often do you re-grease your head bearings. How long are they lasing between replacements?

I regrease mine every time I replace them. (tapered rollers)
They will last years and take a pounding when they are preloaded just right. And greased properly when installed.

Difficult to regrease properly without removing them completely. Who's gonna stuff around and put them back in, for what they cost new? (biased RS owners opinion)

[Zombie Master]

Of course there are a lot of variables, but how often do you re-grease your head bearings. How long are they lasing between replacements?

I regrease mine every time I replace them. (tapered rollers)
They will last years and take a pounding when they are preloaded just right. And greased properly when installed.

Difficult to regrease properly without removing them completely. Who's gonna stuff around and put them back in, for what they cost new? (biased RS owners opinion)

When I have the front wheel off I loosen off the steering head nut and drop the assembly down. I start with WD 40 to clean everything up, then some solvent. When dry I grease them up and tighten everything up. I have avoided replacement by doing this.

[barryh]

When I have the front wheel off I loosen off the steering head nut and drop the assembly down. I start with WD 40 to clean everything up, then some solvent. When dry I grease them up and tighten everything up. I have avoided replacement by doing this.

I do the same and still on the original 39 year old bearings. Every 10 years is often enough

[Zombie Master]

The grease I use says that it is waterproof.....isn't all grease waterproof?

[Airbear]

The grease I use says that it is waterproof.....isn't all grease waterproof?

Normally grease is made by adding oil to a soap-based thickener, therefore at least part of it is water soluble. Ok if it is 'contained' away from water. Waterproof grease is usually silicone based, therefore resistant to water.

[Zombie Master]

Thanx C...that makes sense. They don't seem to put ingredients on grease containers other than the base designation.

[Wobbly]

► There are lots of "waterproof" greases available. Not all fit for use on steering head bearings, but still out there. The most common is white Lithium grease (sold here under the label White Lube). Boat trailer wheel bearing grease is very common and useful for steering head bearings. And there are numerous other specialty greases for various nautical applications available at West Marine stores and other boating outlets.

Normally grease is made by adding oil to a soap-based thickener, therefore at least part of it is water soluble. Ok if it is 'contained' away from water. Waterproof grease is usually silicone based, therefore resistant to water.

This is true. If you have a grease you want to know about, simply grab a handful and put your hand under a warm water faucet. A water soluble grease will disappear in minutes.

► Of course, no grease can withstand the forces of a pressure washer. While pressure washing can be a benefit on snowflake wheels and other tough areas, owners really have to be VERY careful to stay away from areas with bearings, like the head post and swing arm. This, even if the bearing has an oil seal. Wheel bearing grease seals are no match for high pressure water.

[Zombie Master]

Wob:

This is true. If you have a grease you want to know about, simply grab a handful and put your hand under a warm water faucet. A water soluble grease will disappear in minutes.

Not at my house, you don't!

[barryh]

Well not while she's watching obviously