Front Fork Ball Bearings

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87spree70superbee
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Front Fork Ball Bearings

Post by 87spree70superbee »

Hi all,

So a few months ago, I took my Spree apart to paint it. I removed the front forks and did not know that the bearings were not self-encased, and the balls were just loose. I think I may have lost a few of them, because while taking it for a top speed run, I noticed that the scooter was particularly shaky. I also noticed that when you only use the front brakes when slowing down, if you squeeze and release the brake lever repeatedly, you can feel the whole handlebar and fork assembly shimmying back and forth in the frame. :*: So my question here is, does anybody know how many ball bearings are supposed to be in the top and bottom? There is a surplus store near me that sells miscellaneous steel balls meant for bearings, so I figured I'd just grab a few of those and put in the correct amount.

If there's anybody that could help me stop being afraid to ride my Spree, it would be greatly appreciated. :wink:
Black 85 Spree-SOLD

Red 87 Spree... Ended up buying the same one mentioned below.

I started riding my uncle's 87 Spree at the drag strip when I was 8...

It's easier to stop caring three years ago than it is to fix it in present time.
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motormike
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Re: Front Fork Ball Bearings

Post by motormike »

The bearing cups should be filled all the way around with bearings, both top and bottom.
Parts fiche shows a total of 52 balls required.... :urban:
EDIT: size indicated is 5/32"
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breaze
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Re: Front Fork Ball Bearings

Post by breaze »

From the Spree service manual:

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87spree70superbee
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Re: Front Fork Ball Bearings

Post by 87spree70superbee »

motormike wrote:The bearing cups should be filled all the way around with bearings, both top and bottom.
Parts fiche shows a total of 52 balls required.... :urban:
EDIT: size indicated is 5/32"
Thanks! Now I just have to rip it all apart again and see how many are missing.
Black 85 Spree-SOLD

Red 87 Spree... Ended up buying the same one mentioned below.

I started riding my uncle's 87 Spree at the drag strip when I was 8...

It's easier to stop caring three years ago than it is to fix it in present time.
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87spree70superbee
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Re: Front Fork Ball Bearings

Post by 87spree70superbee »

breaze wrote:From the Spree service manual:

Image
Thanks Breaze! I kind of had a brain fart and forgot that the owners and service manuals are on this site... :-$
Black 85 Spree-SOLD

Red 87 Spree... Ended up buying the same one mentioned below.

I started riding my uncle's 87 Spree at the drag strip when I was 8...

It's easier to stop caring three years ago than it is to fix it in present time.
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