steering head bearings

[AMXER]

Hello all, I am new to this forum but I just bought a 1982 GL1100 Interstate 76000 kms. I took it in for the safety inspection the shop called and told me the only thing it needs is new steering head bearings, excessive play. My question is the same garage did the safety 3 years earlier but only 600kms ago. Does this sound right? I would have thought they would get excessive play from use and not just from sitting in a heated garage. Thanks for any help. Terry

[WingAdmin]

It's possible they didn't check/find it the first time? Kind of doubtful that bearings in otherwise good condition would suddenly in 600 km go bad. And no, they don't go bad from just sitting.

[Old Fogey]

If they only said 'excess play', not rough feeling or notchy, then they might just need tightening up. It's got to be worth a try.
They are taper roller bearing in there, so they should have a very slight preload on them. Get the bike jacked up with the front wheel off the deck and tighten them that the handlebars will fall side to side with just a little resistance. If the bars feel as though they have a 'straight ahead ' position after you've done this, then you'll need to replace the bearings.

[AMXER]

Thanks for the help, I just brought the bike home to start replacing the bearings but I'll try the adjustment first. I feel pretty good that this was all the bike needed for safety. Thanks again

[sfruechte]

The bearings are likely good. If they are tapered roller bearings like a 77 GL, I don't think it's possible to wear them out in a steering head. They last forever as wheel bearings in a car as long as they have grease. Mine became dry and notchy at something over 100,000 miles. I cleaned and greased them and have not had a problem since and currently have 215,000 miles on the bike.