FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube

rasfxrs · Oct 23rd, 2009, 04:26 PM

This is my first post, but I have been lurking for some time. I truely appreciate all of the knowledge I have gained on this site. I have searched and searched, but have found no previous threads that answer my question.

I have a low mileage 92 FXRS, which is due for a steering head bearing repack. The factory service manual indicates that my bike should have a grease zerk on the steering head, but of course it does not. I have no desire to disassemble the steering head to repack these bearing, if I can avoid it. Therefore, I am attempting to find a less labor-intensive solution. I have a few questions, and would like to get some opinions.

1. Has anyone found a trick for lubing the neck bearings on an FXR without full disaassembly?

2. With proper precautions to avoid getting any metal shavings inside the steering head, is it feasible to drill and tap the steering head for a grease zerk, or maybe just drill a tiny 1/16 or 3/32 inch hole to inject grease with a needle? If feasible, is there an optimum location for the hole?

3. Are there any open passages between the steering head/neck and the frame tubes (on a 92 FXRS), that would divert the injected grease into the frame tubes instead of to the steering head bearings?

I will be off-line over the weekend, but thanks for any replies in advance!

glider · Oct 23rd, 2009, 05:19 PM

Generally the bikes without the zerks are the ones like yours and the dynas that have the frame tubes open to the steering head area and if you install a zerk to grease the bearings, you will fill the frame with a lot of grease without hitting the bearings. Best bet is to do it the right way and disassemble the front end.

Axel · Oct 23rd, 2009, 11:53 PM

I have a '92 FXRS that I bought new. It had a plug on the right side of the steering head. I replaced it with a zerk fitting and grease it every couple of years- 150,000 miles now, with no steering head problems.

rasfxrs · Oct 26th, 2009, 10:07 AM

My 92 FXRS does not have a plug on the steering head (as you described), so mine was probably an "early" 1992 model, before they incorporated the lube provisions. However, this does give me some hope that the steering head might be closed to the frame tubes. Axel, if it is not too much trouble, could you give me more specifics on the location of the plug/zerk on your 92 (or a picture), so I could match the factory hole location if I decide to drill the steering head.

Thanks for the replies!

Oct 23rd, 2009, 04:26 PM	#1
rasfxrs New Family Ride: 1992 FXRS Join Date: Sep 17th, 2009 Posts: 2	FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube This is my first post, but I have been lurking for some time. I truely appreciate all of the knowledge I have gained on this site. I have searched and searched, but have found no previous threads that answer my question. I have a low mileage 92 FXRS, which is due for a steering head bearing repack. The factory service manual indicates that my bike should have a grease zerk on the steering head, but of course it does not. I have no desire to disassemble the steering head to repack these bearing, if I can avoid it. Therefore, I am attempting to find a less labor-intensive solution. I have a few questions, and would like to get some opinions. 1. Has anyone found a trick for lubing the neck bearings on an FXR without full disaassembly? 2. With proper precautions to avoid getting any metal shavings inside the steering head, is it feasible to drill and tap the steering head for a grease zerk, or maybe just drill a tiny 1/16 or 3/32 inch hole to inject grease with a needle? If feasible, is there an optimum location for the hole? 3. Are there any open passages between the steering head/neck and the frame tubes (on a 92 FXRS), that would divert the injected grease into the frame tubes instead of to the steering head bearings? I will be off-line over the weekend, but thanks for any replies in advance!

Oct 23rd, 2009, 05:19 PM	#2
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 20,467 My Mood:	Re: FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube Generally the bikes without the zerks are the ones like yours and the dynas that have the frame tubes open to the steering head area and if you install a zerk to grease the bearings, you will fill the frame with a lot of grease without hitting the bearings. Best bet is to do it the right way and disassemble the front end. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Oct 23rd, 2009, 11:53 PM	#3
Axel Start The Engine Ride: 1992 FXRS Join Date: Aug 25th, 2008 Posts: 18	Re: FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube I have a '92 FXRS that I bought new. It had a plug on the right side of the steering head. I replaced it with a zerk fitting and grease it every couple of years- 150,000 miles now, with no steering head problems.

Oct 26th, 2009, 10:07 AM	#4
rasfxrs New Family Ride: 1992 FXRS Join Date: Sep 17th, 2009 Posts: 2	Re: FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube My 92 FXRS does not have a plug on the steering head (as you described), so mine was probably an "early" 1992 model, before they incorporated the lube provisions. However, this does give me some hope that the steering head might be closed to the frame tubes. Axel, if it is not too much trouble, could you give me more specifics on the location of the plug/zerk on your 92 (or a picture), so I could match the factory hole location if I decide to drill the steering head. Thanks for the replies!

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FXR Steering Head Bearing Lube

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