Steering Removal

The Suzuki Katana uses ball bearings in the steering from 1998 - 2002 and tapered roller bearings in the 2003 and newer models.

Turn the handlebars back and forth. If the steering feels rough or notch you may need to replace your steering head bearings.

SAFETY FIRST: Protective gloves and eyewear are recommended at this point.

Remove the front forks. See the Fork Removal and Installation topic for more information.

Unplug the ignition switch connector.

Loosen the steering stem bolt with a 22 mm socket. Remove the bolt and washer/s. Lift the upper for clamp off of the steering stem.

Remove the brake hose joint bolt with a 10 mm socket.

Remove the two horn bracket mounting bolts with a 10 mm socket. Unplug the horn connectors.

Loosen the steering stem nut with a steering stem nut wrench or pin spanner.

Special Tools -
(600) Steering Stem nut wrench: 09940-14910

(750) Steering Stem nut wrench: 09940-14911

Support the steering stem by the lower fork clamp. Remove the steering stem nut and the rubber dust cover.

Remove the upper steering bearing. Inspect the steering bearing race. If the race is damaged or excessively worn replace the bearing and the race.

Lower the steering stem out of the frame.

Use a drift and hammer to drive out the bearing races. Have the drift set against the lip of the race, and work around the race evenly to drive it out.

Repeat the procedure with the other race.

Remove the lower bearing from the steering stem with the special tools or a cold chisel and a steel hammer. Heating the bearing with a heat gun will make this job much easier. Be careful not to damage the steering stem.

Special Tools-

Bearing Remover: 09941-84510

Bearing Installer: 09924-84510

To remove the anti-tamper bolts use a punch and a hammer to strike the bolts so that they rotate loose.

To install the steering components see the Steering Installation topic.

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