lower triple tree needle bearing removal?

[mikefealk]

74 gt 750 come to find a p.o. has installed tapered needle bearings in steering stem. they look fine, and i dont want to replace the set, and remove the races and all. What i do want to do is sandblast and powdercoat the lower tree. any ideas of how to protect the lower bearing from sandblast media/ will the powdercoating heat damage the bearing. there is no lower seal beneath it.

[Coyote]

I doubt the heat would affect the bearing, however it needs to be squeaky clean. Oil and grease will give him fits. The powder coater should be able top mask that off for you. They do that sort of stuff all the time. The bearing wasn't in mine but he masked the area where it goes. You should have a look at this thread
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10806" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mikefealk]

cool thanks that is helpful thread.

[smokin_blue]

On all my bikes when I want to paint or powder the lower tree or replace the bearing I just press out the stem in a hydraulic press. As you push the stem down through the lower the bearing slides up and off with no damage to it.