Headset bearings

[Millsy49]

Hi

I am stripping my frame prior to repainting. The bike is a 1980 TS250/1 (Supa 5). The headset (steering head) bearings are separated by a spacer and have to be drifted out. My question is can the top bearing be drifted in thereby using the spacer to push the lower bearing out? (or vice-versa). In effect I 'spose I'm asking whether the head tube has shoulders against which the bearings seat or do they seat against the spacer?

Thanks

John

[therealche]

The bearings sit in cups. So what you need to do is get a drift and drive the bottom bearing out first. Take a bit of doing, Ive got a drift with a narrow chisel tip, put it down through the tube trying to push the tube to one side till it rests on the inner race of the bottom bearing. Belt the drift, then pick it up from wherever it has disappeared to , and repeat!

[Millsy49]

They are out!

Many thanks for the advice.I made a drift from and old but hefty screwdriver and filed the tip.

Cheers

John

[DAVID THOMPSON]

that spacer is important make sure its in good order and not hammered by a PO
and do TQ the stem nut to spec. its very easy to mess up a good set of bearings
dave