Using Fork Tube as a Bearing Driver

I'm about to rebuild my front end and so far so good. However, I'm struggling to find a proper piece of tube in order to drive the lower stem bearing into position.

As it happens, the upper fork tube is the perfect diameter to fit the inner ring of my new bearing. Could I use the fork tube as driver? Of course I'd need to cushion the blow from the top but is the fork tube up to it?

If you are referring to the lower bearing race, use the old race and a socket to drive in the new race. I ground down the outer surface of the old race so that it would slide out after seating the new race. I would not use your fork tubes.

Problem is, I'm changing to roller bearings so the old race had to be destroyed in order to get it off the stem. It's the height of the stem which is creating the problem; i.e. I don't have a socket that deep.

I can't find a PVC pipe or metal tube which matches the diameter of the 'inner ring' of the new bearing. If I hit the 'outer ring' it will wreck the new bearing. This is my final hurdle before I can start rebuilding everything

Don't hate me but I used a big flat screwdriver and a hammer and just tapped my way around the stem bearing to get it seated on the triple clamp. Take your time and make sure whatever you use as a driver is sitting square on the bearing lip. You can also use some thermal difference to help, if you freeze the stem and heat the bearing (as hot as you like) you increase the clearance and make driving a little easier provided you work quickly.

I also think using the fork tube is too risky, one end has fine thread and the other has the check valve and bottoming cone.

Find the proper tool. Bearing driver kit is the best option cones are aluminum and comes with handle to drive them. Punch or flat screwdriver can work but if you slip race will be scratched.

Many auto stores will rent them over here don't know about UK.

Those drivers are great for the bearings that drive into the frame, but no use for the bearing on the steering stem.

Mr Honda suggests using a "30mm attachment" and a hydraulic press to install the steering stem bearing. Any decent 30mm id steel pipe would be useful plus a hammer, but PVC (which works great for fork seals) might not have the rigidity to drive a steel bearing.

A screwdriver?...Yikes! Did it do any damage to the 'inner ring'? I could resort to that if pushed. I'm leaning away from using the fork tube though, it may also shatter the chrome.

Nope, no damage at all. Easy access all round, just take your time.

The hammer and screwdriver method works infinitely better with two people working on opposite sides and tapping in tandem. I would find a way to heat it even if I had to resort to the kitchen oven.