Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: lifeinohio on April 18, 2011, 12:11:48 PM

Title: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: lifeinohio on April 18, 2011, 12:11:48 PM
When changing the steering head bearings, what is the best way to hold up the front end while you work on it?  Is it ok to put a jack directly under the crankcase(crankcase strong enough?) or would it be better to somehow hang the frame from the ceiling?  Any and all thoughts would be welcome. Thanks
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: battlecry on April 18, 2011, 12:23:29 PM
I hanged it.  Didn't want to mess with the exhaust.

1/2" long steel rod fits in the DSS swingarm pivot hole.  I used two car jacks to hold the rod and lift the rear of the bike from the swingarm pivot, which reduced the weight on the front end.  Then I screwed two angle iron brackets on the ceiling rafters.  Used 12 screws each.   Lashed a block and tackle to the brackets and it held for me.   

I was scared when hammering the races off, and wished I had something more solid.     
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: atomic410 on April 18, 2011, 12:41:18 PM
pitbull jack stands or hang it [bacon]
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: Nomad on April 18, 2011, 12:42:15 PM
I just took some straps and supported the front of the frame after I had it lifted from a front stand, left it on the rear stand the whole time.  Worked for weeks at a time.  Of course you have to have a convenient ceiling to do this from....
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: corey on April 18, 2011, 02:16:30 PM
i hung it from a cieling beam with ratcheting straps.
works great.
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: lifeinohio on April 19, 2011, 03:41:17 PM
Quote from: atomic410 on April 18, 2011, 12:41:18 PM
pitbull jack stands or hang it [bacon]
Should I look for some straps that are made of bacon? [laugh]
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: junior varsity on April 21, 2011, 07:58:37 AM
rafters and ratchet straps for me.
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: TJR178 on April 21, 2011, 10:54:08 AM
Hang it from a tall ladder if you have one.
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: COP TZR on April 22, 2011, 01:11:08 PM
Quote from: j v on April 21, 2011, 07:58:37 AM
rafters and ratchet straps for me.

+1
Title: Re: steering head bearings...how do you support the front
Post by: Nomad on April 22, 2011, 02:04:05 PM
And hopefully, if you haven't had the experience already, you enjoy learning about 'interference fit' more than I did.  Prepare to spend some quality time with a hammer or rubber mallet.