Tightening Steering stem

[LoopGaroo]

Is tightening the headset as simple as tightening the steering stem head center bolt? Are there any other steps in the process? My manual is a little vague in the process.

I've got a little play in the steering stem area which is only noticeable when i hit a rough patch in the road. There isn't any noticeable notching in the steering as far as i can tell. I know this is probably a sign that I should replace the bearings, but I want just try tightening it up first.

Thanks!
Kevin

[Allie]

That center bolt you see only keeps everything snug - there should be a threaded ring above the upper race with notches in it that you turn to control the tightness of the steering bearings, probably there is a plastic cap over this. I'll defer to what the experts say about tightening the bearings because I could be better informed on that account.

[Guest]

Put your bike upon its center stand and then use a small jack of some kind and jack the front of the bike up until the wheel spins freely. Then grab the front or wheel and do a push pull type of movement on it and see if you can feel any movement in the steering head bearings. If it is slight then an adjust is warranted. If you have a lot of play, think I would replace the bearings and races. Why do you ask, that excessive play will beat the bearings silly causing flat spots, no adjusting can help that.

Like Allie said there is a threaded nut with slots in it, I use a hammer and a punch and slightly tap the nut to tighten up the bearings, but do so very gently and check the play on the front end. Also turn the front end lock to lock to make sure it isn't binding any. Note! might be a good time to pull the steering bearings out clean and inspect regrease them and replace if you need to. The steering bearings are typically the most ignored bearings on a bike.

[LoopGaroo]

Thanks for the info Mrbill, that's just what I needed to know. My manual didn't say anything about that slotted ring. I'll try adjusting it tonight.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I tightened mine a little bit the other day.




Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[TheCafeKid]

It's worth mentioning that after you give it a bit of tightening, while the wheel is still off the ground, you should turn the bars back and forth slowly a few times and see if you feel what feels like detents or notches in the motion. This indicates that the races are flatted in spots and require replacement as a safety issue. If you can't get around to it right away, just don't ever let go of the bars unless you'd like to experience a tank slapper

[posplayr]

doesnt anybody loosen their top triple clamp and then tighten the bearing?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

doesnt anybody loosen their top triple clamp and then tighten the bearing?

Maybe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[LoopGaroo]

I tightened the notched lockring, and the steering feels MUCH better now.

[bonanzadave]

doesnt anybody loosen their top triple clamp and then tighten the bearing?

Thought you would never ask . By tightening the big Steering stem nut youre drawing the top and bottom triples closer together. Gotta have one set loose before the adjustment. Make sure you tighten them when your done.

[posplayr]

Thought you would never ask . By tightening the big Steering stem nut youre drawing the top and bottom triples closer together. Gotta have one set loose before the adjustment. Make sure you tighten them when your done.

OK for a better description see the attached

Edit: The reason that you move the triple clamp down is to keep the bearing adjuster ring from backing back out and loosening again.

[7981GS]

Tighten the large nut to just past snug, re-install the top TT and tighten bolt to torque spec. Done.

Daniel

[JimmyR]

I just put the front end back on my bike and used a pin wrench to tighten that notched ring. Mainly because I have one and it doesn't get used very much. :-)

It's a wrench that kinda looks like a compass (drawing compass) but with little round lugs/pins coming out the side of each end. Perfect for this job.