Steering Head Bearings for R67

[pstanisa]

Hello, I am repairing a 1952 R67 for a friend, and the head bearings are shot. I was wondering if anyone knows of a sealed bearing that I can use as a replacement?

Part numbers would be nice.

Thanks in advance!

p!

[20774]

I checked Vech's parts list at http://www.benchmarkworks.com/ but didn't see the part listed. From http://www.realoem.com, it appears to be:

05 BALL BEARING KOMPLETTSATZ 2 3141559004

You might want to check with Vech and get his thoughts on this. I'm sure he'll have a source for you.

[Ron from BC]

You might want to give Hans Howe and email or call in Florida...worth a try.

http://bmwhucky.com/006900.html

[lbrackr756]

As long as the races are in decent shape, just replace the 50 ball bearings (25 top and bottom) using grease to hold them in place upon assembly. Vech has them for 75 cents each.

[DarrylRi]

Replace those annoying loose balls with a set of roller bearings. I think the cost is similar, and it's a heckuva lot less trouble to remove and installed the forks. They should last a lot longer, too.

[Jon]

Use roller, Much better handling

[lbrackr756]

Replace those annoying loose balls with a set of roller bearings. I think the cost is similar, and it's a heckuva lot less trouble to remove and installed the forks. They should last a lot longer, too.

The quote from Bench Marks for the roller bearings was $50 per set. That vs. 75 cents for ball bearings (I only needed 3) made it obvious to me which to use. People also discuss handling. My R50/2 hasn't exceeded 60mph since I restored it and I doubt my upcoming R51/3 project will either. The restorations on these machines cost so dang much anyway, why put unnecessary performance parts in them when OEM will do nicely?

[marchyman]

The restorations on these machines cost so dang much anyway, why put unnecessary performance parts in them when OEM will do nicely?

Two comments. First, I suspect few think of going with roller bearings as an unnecessary performance upgrade. But that is your call.

Second: it is a sad fact that if you are doing a full restoration the cost difference will be nothing by the time you are done. :deal

[BMWDEAN]

I have replaced the balls and races on two of my R60/2s with tapered bearings. I would do that to any vintage BMW that has the balls and races. I have tapered bearings in all my /2s and /3s.

The improvement is not just noticeable, it is very significant. IMHO it would be foolish to reinstall balls and races during a restoration.

[lbrackr756]

I have replaced the balls and races on two of my R60/2s with tapered bearings. I would do that to any vintage BMW that has the balls and races. I have tapered bearings in all my /2s and /3s.

The improvement is not just noticeable, it is very significant. IMHO it would be foolish to reinstall balls and races during a restoration.

Since you're the guru and I'm the newbie to restorations, I'll acquiesce and buy the roller bearings. Thanks for the input.

[BMWDEAN]

Since you're the guru and I'm the newbie to restorations, I'll acquiesce and buy the roller bearings. Thanks for the input.

You are very wise! :wave