94 V-Max Rider
Well-Known Member
After years of installing bearing races using a bearing driver and hammer, only to end up with cocked [lower] bearing races and burrs inside the steering head, I decided to invest in the following tools:
Park Tool HHP-2 Headset Press.
Park Tool CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer
I removed everything necessary to remove the races. I won't get into race removal, but rather installation since that's the premise of this thread.
Now for the Park Tool HHP-2 Headset Press.
Unfortunately, the handle on the HHP-2 press proved to be a problem. There's not enough clearance to turn the handle without interfering with the both the radiator and dash assembly. Rather than return the tool, I decided to modify it to work on the V-Max without compromising the tool.
The bearing cups fit the V-Max races perfectly. Here I simply did away with the obstructive handle. I went to Lowe's a bought the pieces shown above to make this tool work (minus the bearing driver).
Before installing the tool, I gently tapped the races flush with the steering stem to ensure that they'd be pulled in straight. After having done that, I installed the tool as shown below to install the lower race. Before cranking on the nut (using a 15/16" wrench) I made sure everything was properly centered.
Repeat for the top race (you will be able to feel when the races seat):
Below, I used the Park Tool CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer:
Do the tools work? Yes, but as noted, the HHP-2 Headset Press will have to be slightly modified for the V-Max, and can be done so without compromising the tool. The tool is adjustable and installs and removes in seconds courtesy of a spring-loaded locking mechanism.
The CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer has attachments to accommodate various lower bearing races. The set comes with an adapter that fits the V-Max lower steering stem bearing perfectly.
These tools can be found online at varying prices. Figure to spend somewhere in the $220.00 neighborhood.
Are the tools worth the expense? That depends on your budget. The tools make the job much easier and give you the satisfaction of knowing the job is done right. That alone makes the tools worth the expense to me. Additionally, if one considers what the dealer gets to do this job, you can purchase the tools and still be ahead of the game.
Park Tool HHP-2 Headset Press.
Park Tool CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer
I removed everything necessary to remove the races. I won't get into race removal, but rather installation since that's the premise of this thread.
Now for the Park Tool HHP-2 Headset Press.
Unfortunately, the handle on the HHP-2 press proved to be a problem. There's not enough clearance to turn the handle without interfering with the both the radiator and dash assembly. Rather than return the tool, I decided to modify it to work on the V-Max without compromising the tool.
The bearing cups fit the V-Max races perfectly. Here I simply did away with the obstructive handle. I went to Lowe's a bought the pieces shown above to make this tool work (minus the bearing driver).
Before installing the tool, I gently tapped the races flush with the steering stem to ensure that they'd be pulled in straight. After having done that, I installed the tool as shown below to install the lower race. Before cranking on the nut (using a 15/16" wrench) I made sure everything was properly centered.
Repeat for the top race (you will be able to feel when the races seat):
Below, I used the Park Tool CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer:
Do the tools work? Yes, but as noted, the HHP-2 Headset Press will have to be slightly modified for the V-Max, and can be done so without compromising the tool. The tool is adjustable and installs and removes in seconds courtesy of a spring-loaded locking mechanism.
The CRS-2M Steering Stem Bearing Installer has attachments to accommodate various lower bearing races. The set comes with an adapter that fits the V-Max lower steering stem bearing perfectly.
These tools can be found online at varying prices. Figure to spend somewhere in the $220.00 neighborhood.
Are the tools worth the expense? That depends on your budget. The tools make the job much easier and give you the satisfaction of knowing the job is done right. That alone makes the tools worth the expense to me. Additionally, if one considers what the dealer gets to do this job, you can purchase the tools and still be ahead of the game.