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Steering Head Bearing Shot at 6k!

Anyone else had their Steering Head Bearings wear out, mine are shot already? Bike is a late 2005 'R' model with 6000 miles on the clock!

Spoke to my dealer who "is going to ask Yamaha if they cover this under the warranty" I've read the warranty handbook and is says nothing about this part not being covered. I'd be grateful if anyone could confirm that they've either had them replaced or that their shouldn't be an issue with replacement at this low mileage.

Thanks, Steve.

I had mine go stiff on a 1 year old Suzuki GS500 a couple of years back with 10k miles on the clock. At the time I just regreased them and they worked fine for another 5k miles till I sold the bike.

Do you use your XT for greenlaning or wheelies? That would normally damage them prematurely. Could also result from using a pressure washer or hose pipe on full blast directed at the steering area.

Good luck with getting them replaced. I hope Yamaha cover it under warrantee, it's not a consumable item like brakes or tyres so they should really cover it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_not_andrew

Hi Matt...,
Thanks for the advice, none of the above abuses apply to me/my bike. In my view their too heavy to use off road, and I'm not a wheelie merchant. No pressure washer, bucket and watering can only, I live in the desert called Essex. I've always been very wary of pressure washers for that reason. Lets hope they agree to change the bearings whilst the head is apart otherwise I'll just have to do it myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJA

Bearings & bushes are generally not covered under warranty. At 6K miles they have worn prematurely & would expect poor sealing, not greased correctly or incorrectly adjusted bearings at the factory. The XTX & R have the same stearing head bearings & will have no problems riding in the dirt.

The service interval is 24 months & to be inspected at every service. It would be at Yamaha UK discretion if they pay for new ones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev

Thanks for clarifying that Kev, here's hoping Yamaha look kindly upon me.

I know of one forum member who had his head bearings changed under warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJT660

I know of one forum member who had his head bearings changed under warranty.

Well it's official, I've just had a call from my dealer, who it has to be said have done all the warranty work to date - ECU, TPS and new battery (after a year), and theyve confirmed Yamaha will not replace my Steering Head Bearings under warranty, they say; "it's a service item". So I'm left with paying for it myself. When I replace this bike it won't be a Yamaha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJA

You should argue that the bearings have failed because they were incorrectly fitted in the first place, they should not need to be replaced at 6000 miles, ask them if they adjusted them at the last service, if they did tell them they must have overtightened them, if they did not ask them why not, and suggest that as it is a "service item" they are at fault for not maintaining them as part of the service, dont take no for an answer, I never do...ever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJA

When I replace this bike it won't be a Yamaha.

Bit fickle don't you think? I would say that ANY bike could suffer teething problems and it's just bad luck that your's has dodgy steering bearings.

Still annoying that they won't replace them tho.

My xt's covered 20,000 miles but from about 10,000 to 15,000 I had the bearings replaced 4 times because they would come loose after about 30 miles.
In the end Yamaha replaced the whole steering stem & bearings, All fine know.
Turns out the stem had a small grove worn into it the first time the bearings were put it.

Good news, the bearings were replaced last Friday - 20.04.2007, under warranty. My dealer, who has been supportive of the claim, stated that the bottom bearing had 'red rust' around it, and it's going back to Yamaha. It couldn't have been greased very well, or at all, when the bike was assembled. Anyway it handles like it should now so I'm happy.

Excellent news, it's good to hear a successful resolution. It makes sense for the dealer to support you. He's ensured return business from you now I'd imagine, if more dealers took this view I'm sure they'd reap the rewards in the long term.

A dealer that gives a damn is a very rare beast. Well done on getting them replaced and all the best.
Z

Can anyone confirm the measures of both Steering bearings?
I found a kit which maybe fits. Mine are not shot but i just want to be sure.

I think that the measures are these:
*Mfg: SSH901 upper bearing 25 x 47 x 15mm
lower bearing 30 x 55 x 17mm

Just for info that many type of bearings can be fited on xt660x/r/z

Even old z750 bearings are same as new xt ones... so there is no need to order new ones from facgtory, just find some store who has them in and it all works just fine.

Madone - but did you measure those before you installed them :P ?

I use www.bearingboys.co.uk with great effect.....

:)

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