Z1OwnersClub GB

I am going to replace my neck bearings with tappered style. Is this a do it my self job, any special tools needed ? Need some tips
thanks

Greg

I guess by neck bearings you mean headstock bearings?

I would suggest making a special tool, as indeed I did. It's basically just a bit of threaded rod with a piece of bar with a hole in it that just fits inside the headstock tube. Annoyingly the top and bottom bearings are different sizes so you either make two or do what I did and machine a recesss in one side and then you have two in one. If you were in the UK you would be welcome to borrow mine, but I think that the carriage costs would outweigh the value of the item. If you have a mate with a lathe get them to spin one up for you out of aluminium alloy. If you want I could do you a drawing with dimensions. I show photos of mine on the thread about my Zed thou restoration under projects. What the tool does is ensure that the bearing goes in square and easily.
Hope this helps.

Greg, the only "tips" I would suggest are:
When removing the old ball-bearing race, particularly the bottom, insure you are are "Drifting" it our square. they sometime squew and tend to jam tearing the accurate machine surface and require dressing before the new bearing race can be fitted.

If you haven't a tool for removing the bottom bearing from the steering stem, you can carefully use two screw drivers to wedge the race up, care being taken not to damage the shim and duplex rubber dust seal, which may be re-used. Why I stress the bottom race, is because it is much deeper seated than the top race (which will present no problems.)

Another "tip" is to always inspect the lower tapered race to insure it has provision for the dust rubber seal. Some don't have this recess. Also ensure that this bottom race has bottomed onto the head-stock face.

This fitting of taper-roller bearings is a necessary mod for better handling.

Good luck with the fit... RegardZ.

I will attack this long over due project this weekend.
Cheers

I TOO MADE THE SAME TYPE TOOL.THREADED BAR,FLAT BAR WITH HOLES DRILLED,NUTS AND WASHERS.ALSO USED OLD BALLRACE CUPS TO PUSH NEW SEATS ALL THE WAY HOME,WORKED WELL.
SORRY ABOUT LARGE PRINT,I`M NOT SHOUTING?