How To: Remove a Honda stem bearing

[Pappy]

The steering stem bearing is one of the most often overlooked bearings on any ATV, mainly because its a bit of work to get it out. However, it can affect how well your ATV steers if it gets worn out and freezes up, and should be replaced every season if you ride alot of water and mud.

I decided to use pictures of a bare frame so it would be easier to describe how to get the actual bearing out of the frame. The steps needed to get the steering stem out are fairly simple.

1. Remove front plastic

2. Remove handle bars from stem and just let them set out of the way, there is no need to remove the cables and wiring from the bars.

3. Loosen and remove tie rod ends from stem

4. Loosen stem clamp and remove

5. Stand ATV on grab bar and remove cotter pin and stem nut

6. Slide stem up and out of frame


Once the stem is removed, you will be able to see the upper dust seal

[Pappy]

Using a large flat blade screwdriver or similiar flat ended item, lift the dust seal out of the way and inspect for damage.

[Pappy]

With the dust seal removed, you can now locate the snap ring that holds the actual bearing in place.

[Pappy]

An inexpensive set of snap ring pliers will be needed to remove the snap ring

[Pappy]

The snap ring pliers perform 2 functions depending on which way you have them set. For removale, you will want them to close the gap on the snap ring when squeezing the pliers.

Insert the tips of the snap ring, squeeze and remove the snap ring

[Pappy]

The snap ring is removed and can be cleaned and oiled before reassembly

[Pappy]

Even with good seals, moisture can still wreak havoc on the bearing

[Pappy]

From the bottom side of the frame, you will see the stem spacer that can be removed with your finger. Do not forget to reinsert this item when reassembling your parts

[Pappy]

Even though it is zinc coated, corrosion will attack it. This is the same coating that those high dollar pivot bolts are coated with, now you can see that it does not prevent rust and corrosion however it will be able to be cleaned and oiled and reused as the zinc coating should prevent it from becoming pitted.

[Pappy]

The next step is to remove the lower dust seal

[Pappy]

From the bottom side of the frame, use a wide punch to drive out the old bearing. There is not much force required to drive it out

[Pappy]

Inspect the bearing (this one is obviously toast!)

The inner part of the bearing should spin freely and smooth. They are fairly inexpensive to replace, so use your judgement whether to clean and reuse or replace.


Reinstallation is the reverse order of removal.

Clean and inspect the frame where the bearing goes, and lightly oil the machined area before reinstalling the bearing. This is also the best time to re-grease your upper stem bushing.

[jtalleman]

how tight do u tighten the lower stem nut do u go tight to bearing or keep it loose and just let the safety wire hold it on

[mirror_racing]

just a little past snug is how i tighten mine. I'm sure there are torque specs that you can find on it but i have never had any problems using the german method of good-n-tight

[Darnell J. Neal]

The next step is to remove the lower dust seal
thanks for your sharing all about this problem and solution.One of my friend having same problem he gone through your post,found it more helpfull. Thanks!