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DaveVoorhis
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 22 Mar 2006
Posts: 223
Location: Derbyshire, UK
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 Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:26 pm Post subject: Steering bearing adjust "by the book" is too tight |
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I just installed new steering head bearings in my 93 K1100RS, and tightened them according to the service manual instructions (which are also found at http://www.largiader.com/bearings/)
With the forks in place but no wheel, the result seems too tight and a bit rough and notchy -- exactly what I'd expect tapered bearings with too much preload to feel like. If I back off on the torque a bit, they smooth out, loosen up, and feel "right". But, that's not following the manual...
Any comments from folks who have adjusted or replaced their steering head bearings?
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'93 K1100RS
Dave #3 |
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larryb22
Big Brick Rider
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 53
Location: Buchanan Michigan
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| Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:24 am Post subject: |
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The bars should turn easily with the front wheel off the ground. You should be able to move it with your finger tips with a tiny bit of drag. But they should not move without a little assistance (like swing from gravity). Too tight bearings will not allow the front wheel to seek center going down the road and you'll have issues holding a straight line. The bike will meander instead of tracking straight. Been there done that.
I think the head bearings are best set by feel.
Just my two cents.
Larry
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2008 Yamaha XV250
S/W Michigan USA |
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dave n
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 13 Dec 2003
Posts: 316
Location: Gastonia NC
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| Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:09 am Post subject: steering head bearings |
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try this link - worked for me.
http://largiader.com/bearings/
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Dave Norris KOG 248
1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
1993 K1100LT w/Hannigan sidecar
2008 Suzuki DR650 |
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DaveVoorhis
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 22 Mar 2006
Posts: 223
Location: Derbyshire, UK
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| Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject: Re: steering head bearings |
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Yup, I know that one. I linked to it in my original message. 
I suspect my torque wrench is too, uh, torque-ish, but it's a good quality Snap-On(TM) wrench, so it should be accurate.
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'93 K1100RS
Dave #3 |
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