Timken neck bearing install question

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Nyokie
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Timken neck bearing install question

#1

Post by Nyokie »

48 springer front end 1” stem but it has this 1 1/4” step at base of stem. Does 1” bearing just sit on step? Or 1 1/2” bearing sit on some kind of cone centering washer/bushing? Kit I got from Ted didn’t have one just bearings cups and nuts. Pics or Ted part numbers would help a bunch thanks. Don’t mind the crap looks like wear that’s just powder coat left over from trying to remove.
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nifty
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#2

Post by nifty »

48361-38 goes on first, for original style cone with loose balls
48361-38 centering cone or Bearing Race Guard  BT springer.jpg
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Nifty
Nyokie
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#3

Post by Nyokie »

Thanks I just grabbed the file gonna knock down step to fit 1” Id bearing
RUBONE
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#4

Post by RUBONE »

No 45 fork ever came with a 1" stem, the only factory fork using a 1" stem and 45 rockers was the XA and it is the 2-3/8 longer fork. All 45s used the 7/8" stem through the end of the springer on '57 Servi-Cars. What makes you think it is 45?
droptopford
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#5

Post by droptopford »

Is there a post missing here...? Something edited...? I'm lost.
RooDog
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#6

Post by RooDog »

The original post, #1, says:
"48 springer front end 1” stem but it has this 1 1/4” step at base of stem."
I'll go out on a limb here and assume he means 1948, Big Twin, since it is not a 7/8 inch diameter stem, eh?
RUBONE
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#7

Post by RUBONE »

My bad, read it as 45. No reference to BT so just ran with it. Hopefully it isn't an original '48 fork leg getting modified, they are very hard to come by. And there is basically zero advantage to that modification. Just makes it easier for those who don't do maintenance to get by a bit longer. :(
RooDog
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#8

Post by RooDog »

The ball bearings were good enough for 45 years, no?
So why not stick with them, or just go to a Glide fork if you are stuck on Timkens....
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#9

Post by rocket ron »

Don’t do it! The boss has to be ground off symmetrically ( I think that’s the correct term) or the bearing won’t sit correctly. Also the adjuster has to be shortened.
Rubone is correct, there is no advantage. To my shame I converted my U forks about 20 years ago as there didn’t seem to be any decent aftermarket cups and cones available. Always regretted it; it seemed to handle better with the slightly pitted originals.
droptopford
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#10

Post by droptopford »

From reading the OP's last (#3) post... might be too late now.

I have a question for you guys that know about this stuff. When people talk about changing over to 'Timken' bearings now days, does that mean bearings actually manufactured by Timken, or does it mean tapered bearing units in general? I only ask because in my own recent (automotive application) experience, Timken bearings are not the same dependable, American made quality they used to be. And finding good quality hubs/bearings etc is a crap shoot. Certainly not worth mutilating a good original part.
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Re: Timken neck bearing install question

#11

Post by RUBONE »

droptopford wrote: Mon Nov 21, 2022 2:58 pm From reading the OP's last (#3) post... might be too late now.

I have a question for you guys that know about this stuff. When people talk about changing over to 'Timken' bearings now days, does that mean bearings actually manufactured by Timken, or does it mean tapered bearing units in general? I only ask because in my own recent (automotive application) experience, Timken bearings are not the same dependable, American made quality they used to be. And finding good quality hubs/bearings etc is a crap shoot. Certainly not worth mutilating a good original part.
You are correct. Most use the name "Timken" generically for any tapered roller type bearing. Many are poor quality.
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