Let’s perform front maintenance on the SKF. These days, matching upper and lower sizes seems to be the standard.
This was my first time encountering a top bridge that wouldn’t come off—I’m glad I didn’t have to resort to an hour of struggling with brute force.
The shaft was rusted and seized.
The race condition was good too. It was at a level where it could be reused. The lubricant had blown out quite a bit, though.
We replace the race and carefully verify that everything is seated properly. We handle the aluminum frame with caution.
I always wonder how well the upper and lower holes are aligned concentrically.
After installing the race, we test the operation with just the ball and seal. This lets us gauge how well the seal is working. We can use this to help diagnose any heaviness or odd feeling after assembly.
The grease we use is Neutech NC100. It’s heat-resistant, soft, and easy to work with. The white color also makes it easier to manage. The steering develops a feel after running a certain distance. Previously, I was only after lightness. But if it’s too light, the front end loses a certain firmness that’s hard to deny. Finding that right balance of controlled feel is tricky in this area.
