Steering stem bushings going bad...

[ReeperLT500]

Hi guys, its been a while since my last post and I haven't ridden if probably a year. But I got an itch to go riding soon so I started to do the regular maintenance and noticed my steerring stem is awfully loose. I can move it about a 1/2" front to back so I take it the bushings are bad. Anybody know where I can pick up a set? Thanks. -Mark

[cobrazilla]

I think SBLT makes a brass bushing that he sells that will be the last one ever that you need to buy.

[874Q2]

I got one, makes them custom size for ya too so they actually work, I just got a inline cooler off him recently too. Good guy

[ReeperLT500]

Cool. THanks. I'll shoot him a PM. -Mark

[bfulton620]

you might need to replace your uper oring seals that go around your stem. i dont see how your lower bushing alon will give youa 1/2" of movement? that is a whol lot! i would think that both your lower bearing is aworn, and your upper orings need replacing.... if you havnt ridden your bike for awhile, i might know whats wrong with your bike.... not sure if you have taken the stem apart before and are framiliare with how it bolts on? i once saw a bike that had been sitting for a year without being riden. the upper "quad ring bushings" on the upper stem clamp had bunged up, gues they got wet or something, and dried. the stem was hard to turnb at first, then the orings crumbled and fell out, making the stem realy easy to turn, and gave 1/4' play..... the upper orings on your clamp are very cheap parts. should costyyou a buck or 2, and fix most of your problem....

[874Q2]

Is the movement front to back or up and down ? either way if you have the front apart y not do them both.

My rings are good up top but there still a little soft, so i took a slice of soda can and wrapped it around the stem and slid it in, cant see it and it helped snug it up, only cus it was a lil off, i wouldnt reomend this for 1/4 " gap

[bfulton620]

yea, he said he had a 1/2" movement, that is alot? it must be realy loose....

[ReeperLT500]

well maybe I was exaggerating a bit. My cars move front to back. Not up and down. If you pull them towards you then push forward its probably 1/4". I don't think the lower section is loose. Thanks for the help. -Mark

[ERBE]

Yeah, could be time to reorder the upper stem bushing see if there loose 1st , there cheap like 12 bucks each try Cheap Cycle parts , dont forget the 2 sets O rings and the 2 bolts that hold the stem in have cotter pins in them,