Steering Bearings
About Steering Bearings
The steering stem turns on bearings at the top and bottom of the steering head. When they dry out, pit or loosen, the bars feel notchy, tight or sloppy, and the front end can knock under braking. Owners shop here for steering stem bearing kits and single bearings when the steering has lost its smooth feel or the machine has been through water and mud.
Most listings are steering stem bearing kits, written for a make such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki. Some cover several makes in one listing, such as Arctic Cat, Kawasaki and Suzuki, and a few name other machines, such as Beta, KTM, Sherco or the Yamaha Virago, so read the machine in the title. Always check the model and years, since stems differ in size. When installing, drive the races in evenly, grease the bearings, and set the preload as your service manual specifies. The bars should turn freely, with no play and no tight spots.
Brands in this category include All Balls, Pivot Works and Factory Links. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. While the front end is apart, look at Steering Knuckles and Tie Rods & Steering Linkages. The group is in Steering & Suspension.
FAQs on steering stem bearings
How do I know if my steering stem bearings are worn?
Signs include a notchy or tight spot as you turn the bars, a clunk or knock in the front end when braking, and bars that do not settle straight. With the front wheel lifted, rock the fork or turn the bars lock to lock and feel for roughness or play.
Is a steering stem bearing kit better than a single bearing?
A kit gives you the bearings for the job in one listing, so upper and lower parts wear and renew together. A single bearing is fine when you know exactly which one failed. Match the kit or bearing to your make, model and years.
How tight should the steering stem be set?
Use the preload your service manual gives for your model. Too tight causes notchy steering and wears the bearings, and too loose lets the front end knock. After setting it, turn the bars lock to lock and check they move freely with no play.
What grease should I use on steering bearings?
Use a waterproof bearing grease, and check your service manual for what it recommends. Steering bearings sit low on the machine and take mud and water, so pack them well at assembly. Do not mix incompatible greases without checking.
Will one kit fit machines from different makers?
Only when the listing names them. Some kits, such as Arctic Cat, Kawasaki and Suzuki, cover several makes, but steering stems differ by model. Use the make, model and years in the title and the Ride Finder to confirm the match.
