Blaster Umi steering rebuild

[Sferone]

I have owned my 96 Blaster since 2000 and never had any rust on the bottom steering bearing until now. I have done a lot of searching but have not found any instructions on how to replace the bearings. I am sure there are a few tricks or pointers to make this go easier.
I was hoping there was a way that I would not have to pull the whole assembly off of the ski.

Thanks,

Steve Ferone

 

[Sferone]

Well I rode for a whole year with rusted bearings and now I am ready to replace them. I pulled the whole UMI steering apart except for the 2 bearings and the shaft. Can someone please tell me how to remove the shaft and get the bearings out??

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Gottadog]

I don't have this setup but it looks like you pull the bottom nut. Pull the shaft and knock the bearings out. There should be a part number on the bearings.

 

[Sferone]

The shaft is rusted in so I will need to use my bearing press but I want to make sure this won't damage it. I know this has to be a common problem so I was hoping someone would chime in with their experience.

 

[motoman3000]

@ocdsolutions

He used to sell Umi bearing kits years back


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[jim_ii]

Just looked at my UMI setup. Can't see the bearing that well without disassembly but based on the OD and ID it looks like it might be a 6203 series. You should see a number like 6203, 1610, etc... stamped somewhere on the bearing. You can buy stainless 6203's at bearing supply houses. They will be more expensive but may be worth it for this application. Just make sure the replacement has a rubber seal on both sides. Good luck!