Greasing the Steering Bushing?

[Dave400ex]

How often should that be Done? Do I have to take the Steering Stem off or can I just get some Grease in there? Please Help.

[nakomis0]

I shoot some chain lube down there every now and then. Just turn the bars back and forth while ya do it.

[Dave400ex]

So some Chain Lube? That sounds Easy. Any more Ideas?

[NJ300ex]

I need to know this also. Chain lube or wd-40 is only a temperary fix. You should really grease it up.

[crashinmatt]

greasing the bushing isnt really that difficult. all u need to do is take the 2 bolts that hold the stem on, on the top, and slide the bushing outta the way. then u can either take the bushing off and grease it up real good or leave it on and grease around the stem where it rubs.

[nakomis0]

Originally posted by NJ300ex
I need to know this also. Chain lube or wd-40 is only a temperary fix. You should really grease it up.

I don't think its called a tempory fix. I think they call it maintenance.

And WD-40 is a degreaser, it prevents rust but, cleans grease away, so i'd try and keep it away from things that need to be greased, unless you plan to regrease it.

[Dave400ex]

Well I will try some Chain Lube.

[Zingnut]

I removed the two bolts and took the bushings out and removed all factory grease and then replaced with synthetic grease the steering is so esy now I had to crank the dampner up on click. Made a huge difference in the steering ease.

[RideRed400EX]

Can't say how often but a good test is to stand your bike up on the rear wheels and grab bar. Move your H-bars back and forth, if it requires any effort whatsoever they could use some lube. I try to hit it with grease every two months because I run some pretty ugly conditions.

Anyway, lube it up once and you will FEEL the difference.

[Colin400EX]

Originally posted by RideRed400EX
Anyway, lube it up once and you will FEEL the difference.

I hear ya.. I was getting annoyed with the squeeking from the bushing, so I ripped it apart to find that there was absolutely no grease in there. Needless to say, it's now well greased and the difference is amazing..

[400exRacerX]

Don't use chain lube,,,, that is the lazy man's fix. Take the two bolts out and get a bucket of grease stick your hand in it and grease the bushing up and stick the plate back on and bolt it up.

[Dave400ex]

What all do I have to do to Grease the Bearings? Do I have to take the Front Plastic off? What all needs to be Removed?

[Colin400EX]

Originally posted by WarriorMan
What all do I have to do to Grease the Bearings? Do I have to take the Front Plastic off? What all needs to be Removed?

I had to take the front plastic off (and disconnected the wires). After that it's pretty easy to take the brackets off (disconnect the brake line from the front bracket first)..

[Dave400ex]

Well I think after we get back from the Badlands this Weekend I will take the Front Fender off to Clean it because Duncan says it`s Best to Clean the Quad with all the Fenders off. So if I do that I will just go ahead and Grease it. I`ve never taken the Front Fender off. Does it just slide over the Headlights?

[Razorback]

no, it doesn't just slide off. if you want to take it all the way off, you'll have to disconnect the wires to the lights or unscrew where the lights connect to the plastic. both of these solutions pretty much suck. you can, however, just take the front plastic off to a point where the plastic and the lights just hang down on the front of the quad, giving you easy access to the steering stem.

[Dave400ex]

Well I`ll just have to start Working on it and see how it comes Apart. I want to Clean the Front real Good too while it`s off.

[400exRacerX]

Dude, its easy,,,, I just put my roll stem on tonight with my new bushing. take the front fenders off, take the two bolts out and take the clamp off the frame,,, lube the bushing inside and out with grease and reassemble. Dont bothering even messing with the bearing on the bottom because its sealed adn you cant grease it.

[Colin400EX]

Originally posted by RazorbackEXRider
no, it doesn't just slide off. if you want to take it all the way off, you'll have to disconnect the wires to the lights or unscrew where the lights connect to the plastic. both of these solutions pretty much suck. you can, however, just take the front plastic off to a point where the plastic and the lights just hang down on the front of the quad, giving you easy access to the steering stem.

All of the wires that connect to the lights/key-switch/neutral-light have quick connects.. There are three single wires, and two wire bundles that come apart.

[Dave400ex]

Ok all of these Bearings are Sealed right? So where do I put the Grease? Or how do I get it inside the Bearing or don`t I? Sorry I have never had Bearings like this before.

[Colin400EX]

Originally posted by WarriorMan
Ok all of these Bearings are Sealed right? So where do I put the Grease? Or how do I get it inside the Bearing or don`t I? Sorry I have never had Bearings like this before.

Don't worry about the bearing, just grease the inside and outside of part 1 in this picture:

http://www.servicehonda.com/HARD%20PARTS/atv/trx400ex/steering_shaft.jpg

[Dave400ex]

Wow thanks man now I know what to do.

[mrusk]

Dont use wd40 or any kind of lube like that on any bushing or bearing on the bike. You dont want to use it for stuff like this. Go buy your self a tube of wheel beaings grease. I prefer to use super lube but that is jsut me.

matt