Caution! The steering head bearings (5) and (6) are identical but in no case may their components be swapped around during reassembly.
Clean all contact surfaces and lubricate with the recommended grease.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124033.jpg)
To fit the outer races (C) of the bearings (5) and (6) to the steering head, use the service tool no. 88713.1062 and proceed as follows:
- heat the steering head to 150°C;
- fit the outer races (C) in their seats on the steering head;
- fit the fixed bush (G, with threaded hole) of the tool into the lower race;
- fit the other movable bush (H) into the upper end of the tool and drive it fully home against the upper bearing race;
- tighten the nut (L) and use a wrench to seat the outer races (C) fully in the steering head;
- leave the tool assembled until the steering head has cooled down to ensure that bearings are properly seated.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124034.jpg)
Insert the washer (13), oil seal (18) (with the rim facing upwards) and inner race (A) of bottom bearing (6) onto the steering stem after heating it for about 10 minutes to 120°C.
Fit tool no. 88713.1072 into the steering stem. Keep the inner race (A) pressed against the dust seal (18) by hand for at least 15 seconds.
Lubricate the inner bearing race (A) with the recommended grease.
Fit the ball race (B) on the stem with the smaller diameter of the cage facing upwards and grease the ball race.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124035.jpg)
Insert the steering stem in steering head and push it in until it is axially seated.
Fit the bottom yoke assembly to frame.
Grease the ball race (B) and fit it to frame top outer race (C).
Fit the inner race (A) of the upper bearing (5) to the steering head, with the larger diameter side of the race facing upwards.
Install the dust seal (8) with the flat side facing upwards.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124036.jpg)
Grease the nut (12).
Tighten the steering stem nut (12) by hand until it seats against the oil seal (8).
Fit service bush no. 88713.1058 to the steering stem nut (12) and fit the torque wrench to the bush.
Tighten the steering stem nut (12) to the specified torque (Frame torque settings).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124037.jpg)
Fit the top yoke (2) on the steering stem nut (12), aligning the fork leg bores with the corresponding bores on the bottom yoke. Relocate the fork legs as described in Refitting the front forks.
Grease the screw (3).
Tighten the screw (3) on the top yoke to the specified torque (Frame torque settings).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124038.jpg)
Operation | Section reference |
Refit the fork legs | Refitting the front forks |
Refit the handlebar | Refitting the handlebar |
Refit the headlight | Renewal of the headlight |