 Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Folks:
My '02, which is at the 30k mark had a pretty strong headshake last year. I installed a new tire this Spring but was disapointed that did not resolve the problem completely.
Now, I'm wondering if I would benefit by repacking, adjusting or replacing my headset. On a lift yesterday, I feel no binding or rough spots from side to side. It also doesn't feel loose fore and aft. (to me, but I have no perspective)
The book shows two slim tools use to lock the headset after doing the adjustment under the top nut. I don't recall hearing this process ever mentioned here.
Has anyone done any maintenance to their headset? If so, where can you get tools. Are they repacked with grease or replaced?
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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You torque the nut for the steering bearings, then the slim tool you see is a wrench that you use to hold that nut while you tighten down the jam nut on top of it.I haven't done mine yet either but I have been thinking of going to the tapered bearings, if I have been reading correctly we have ball bearings in there stock.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Maybe the new tire is defective. What did you install?
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Maybe the new tire is defective. What did you install?
No, a shop did the work. He said the previous tire was way out of balance, so I assumed this would do the job.
Does anyone have these headset tools? Tapered bearing also sound better. Any info on those?
This is a little discussed topic!
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I recently upgraded to tapered bearings in my '02. It completely resolved a persistent headshake issue i was having. Only around $50.00 in parts, and no problem getting it done without special wrenches. Money well spent! 
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I recently upgraded to tapered bearings in my '02. It completely resolve a persistent headshake issue i was having. Only around $50.00 in parts, and no problem getting it done without special wrenches.
Money well spent!
Part#'s and supplier?
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Quote:
I recently upgraded to tapered bearings in my '02. It completely resolve a persistent headshake issue i was having. Only around $50.00 in parts, and no problem getting it done without special wrenches.
Money well spent!
Part#'s and supplier?
Heck yes man! So, they just replace the stock bearings? Are they packed like auto wheel bearings? Any pix if you have any.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yes they are just like the auto wheel bearings. I think it6's in the tech vault but I have it written down too and here it is.1995 Honda CBR600RR, Top is ID 26mm OD 47mm width 15mm
Bottom is ID 30mm OD 55mm width 17mm
Bearing numbers are Koyo SAC2647-1 for the top and SAC3055-1 for the bottom.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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That's a shame. I wonder how many cars we would buy if the steering went out in 20k or so.
I am wondering if Triumph would stand behind that.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Those are different product numbers from what I found in the tech vault, are they all the same? The sizes are identical. I think the Honda parts number would be easier to source thru Bike Bandit, etc.? Can anyone offer some tech/install tips. I don't understand why the special locking nut tools would still be used to install these? Or, does the tapered style eliminate the necessity to properly adjust them? Quote:
From member Grzegorz
Headstock bearings replacement tappered ones
-32005X/26 Special 26mm Bore Narrow Section Steering Head Set Taper Roller Bearing 26x47x15mm
-32006JR Narrow Section Steering Head Set Taper Roller Bearing 30x55x17mm
Quote:
Yes they are just like the auto wheel bearings. I think it6's in the tech vault but I have it written down too and here it is.1995 Honda CBR600RR, Top is ID 26mm OD 47mm width 15mm
Bottom is ID 30mm OD 55mm width 17mm
Bearing numbers are Koyo SAC2647-1 for the top and SAC3055-1 for the bottom.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Bike Bandit offers three '95 CBR600's but none are the RR model. Thoughts? Edit: It looks like Bike Bandit only carries front fork parts for this year bike. Besides my local dealer, is there a source for the Honda or brand bearings? http://www.bikebandit.com/honda-motorcycle-parts-1995/oem-parts
Last edited by ssjones; 05/24/2009 9:20 AM.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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An interesting web article referencing these bearings on a Honda. Do we need the seals he mentions? http://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/6000RR-CRASH.htm
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Found another Honda online parts, but no Koyo reference in the parts description or sizes. They also don't offer a '95 CBR600RR model. Is that year correct? http://www.shspowersports.com/fiche_section_detail.asp
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Part#'s and supplier?
I got them here. http://www.bellacorse.com/bcc166.htm
You can probably get them from other vendors, too. I have lost my notes on mfr. part #
They're made by AllBallsRacing. http://www.goallballs.com/home.asp
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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mrt202 bought his kit from Bellacorse. I'm not a fan of that vendor, but he buys them from AllBallsRacing.com. They have our bike listed: http://www.goallballs.com/SHOP/shopexd.asp?pagefrom=Ret&id=589I'll order on Tuesday and report back!
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I took my info from the tech vault a while ago, I gave the dimensions too. The part numbers should be easily cross referenced to a different brand.
Al , when you report back don't forget the part numbers and manufacturer. Be good info for the tech vault and my book.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Yes, I'll be sure to take some pix as well. Thanks! It's surprising this doesn't come up more often, or at least to pack/adjust the OEM parts. Our bikes are getting some age/miles on them (just passed 30k yesterday). Quote:
I took my info from the tech vault a while ago, I gave the dimensions too. The part numbers should be easily cross referenced to a different brand.
Al , when you report back don't forget the part numbers and manufacturer. Be good info for the tech vault and my book.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Yes, I'll be sure to take some pix as well. Thanks!
It's surprising this doesn't come up more often, or at least to pack/adjust the OEM parts. Our bikes are getting some age/miles on them (just passed 30k yesterday).
Quote:
I took my info from the tech vault a while ago, I gave the dimensions too. The part numbers should be easily cross referenced to a different brand.
Al , when you report back don't forget the part numbers and manufacturer. Be good info for the tech vault and my book.
I think the check torque and grease is supposed to be done at the 12,000 mile service.I didn't since mine is fine and going to go with the tapered soon.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I'm reading with interest guys cos I haven't done any maintenance on this one yet, which is probably a bit of concern I guess. It's just that I haven't felt anything in my steering to suggest problems. Any further info on this one will be much appreciated by me, so thanks for your efforts. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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I adjusted mine at about 16,00 and just greased and adjusted them at 34,000.
I used a waterproof grease that is used in bicycle cranksets and headsets, seems to work OK, but it also seems to be "adjustable" grease, that is, after initial adjustment, I had to adjust it a couple more times as it worked in.
No biggy on the slim wrench, you can make one from a piece of strap, or you can grind down a pair of channel locks or a wrench. Or you can use a brake spring plier (that's what I did) to hold the adjusting nut while you tighten the lock nut with a crescent wrench.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Ah-ha, I knew someone had to be doing the PM on this item! So it was you! I was thinking about making a set from a piece of metal strap. Any idea what size these things are? I'm ordering the tapered bearings this morning and per the comments, I won't need any special tools. Quote:
I adjusted mine at about 16,00 and just greased and adjusted them at 34,000.
I used a waterproof grease that is used in bicycle cranksets and headsets, seems to work OK, but it also seems to be "adjustable" grease, that is, after initial adjustment, I had to adjust it a couple more times as it worked in.
No biggy on the slim wrench, you can make one from a piece of strap, or you can grind down a pair of channel locks or a wrench. Or you can use a brake spring plier (that's what I did) to hold the adjusting nut while you tighten the lock nut with a crescent wrench.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Google yielded this today - pretty cool! Even has the proper British accent! Guessing our setup is similar, but the book doesn't describe the locking tab. Is this about the size of the install?
Part I - Removal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRVhPmb7qXo&feature=related
Part II - Installation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQHu3t-0QEA&feature=related
Pretty good video. The procedure is the same, minus the tabbed lock washer.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Can I use a drift to hold/tighten those lock nuts like shown in the video? Or is it just using a socket as described earlier. Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be completely prepared and am still a little mystified. I'm working on the road today, but might start stripping parts this evening, the bearings should be here in a day or two from York PA. I have to figure out a way to support the handlebars/cables. I'll probably use the garage door support and some bungie cords to keep it lifted up and otu of the way. Did you pull your wheels and fork tubes separately or as one unit? Quote:
Quote:
Google yielded this today - pretty cool! Even has the proper British accent! Guessing our setup is similar, but the book doesn't describe the locking tab. Is this about the size of the install?
Part I - Removal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRVhPmb7qXo&feature=related
Part II - Installation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQHu3t-0QEA&feature=related
Pretty good video. The procedure is the same, minus the tabbed lock washer.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Bearings on order from AllBallsRacing, seem like nice folks.
I was out eyeballing what has to be removed or worked around. Wow, those isn't exactly an easy task. The handlebars have to come off the risers and I have the wires running thru the bars. The headlight will need to be removed from the bottom triple tree. I have the driving lamps with turnsignal wires running thru that bar to the lights mounted under the lights.
I guess I'll pull the wheel, get the bars off and try working around the rest. Maybe the electrical stuff will just dangle nicely. Probably won't be that easy....
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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A socket worked fine on all of the nuts. I didn't use the the actual torque values listed for our bikes, just kinda went by feel. I tightened the adjuster nut whilst turning the yoke back and forth until it was rather tight (to seat the new races), then backed off and re-tightened til i just felt some resistance and then put the locknut on. I'm not saying you should do it that way, just that it worked for me.  Oh yeah, it was a PITA to get everything out of the way (bars and cables and such), and it took me a few tries to get all the wires and cables routed correctly. I think i must've pulled the top yoke off two or three times! That's how it goes sometimes! 
Last edited by mrt202; 05/26/2009 10:39 PM.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Don't know what size off hand, I used a crescent hamm....I mean wrench  . The top nut is 30mm It's a pretty quick job, maybe you could have someone hold your bar assembly out of the way. That way you won't need to disconnect anything. I just leave mine attached to the top clamp and pull it off as a unit -Bars, risers clamp- and let it hang.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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A little trick I've been using on any job where there is a lot of things going in specific order or placement e.g., brake springs on cars or vacuum lines, or cable placement, as in this case, take pictures. Digital cameras are the mechanics memories in a can. Then when you are ready to reassemble your project, take a look at the picture first and get a fresh mental picture of where you are going and reference as needed along the way. Saves time, and the hassle of taking it apart two or three times before you get it back in the right order.  Just trying to help
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Thank guys. I was thinking once I get it removed, they should pop on quickly. Another person will be handy.
I'm sure it will make more sense when I have it apart.
Adjusting to feel is what the web/book says.
Thanks for the tips!
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Adjusting to feel is what the web/book says.
What can i say. I'm a guy. I actually never even bothered to read the procedure.
When all else fails, then i read the directions. 
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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With 46,000km mine are due for adjustment or replacement as well, proberly get some powder coating done at the same time, thanks for all the info, gonna go tapered bearings as well... With the forks off gonna upend them and get all the grunge oil out and give them a birthday as well, have a leaking seal, no doubt due to been strapped down in a container on it's 2 voyages across the Pacific... Might as well get as many jobs done while it's apart...
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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The bike is on the lift, with forks removed. I took that opportunity to take them down and re-buff them on the machine. (polished the forks two years ago).
With the wife's help, I'll put in the new bearings this evening. Pictures to follow.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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OK - Help!
The top nut is off. The two adjusting nuts are on top and I have no tool that can break them loose. My largest socket is 36 mm and they are larger than that. They are also slightly larger than my large adjustable wrench.
How did you guys break these loose? (and get them tight later)
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I don't recall what size the nuts were, only that a socket will remove and install them.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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OK - I'm officially in way over my head so all help is appreciated - Got the two top nuts off and pulled the stem (ground down the stop on my large adjustable for more clearance. Here's what the OEM bearing and seat looks like.  Here's the new, tapered bearing. It doesn't go all the way down to the bottom of the tree, no clearnace about 1" above the bottom. Also - Does the old seat/seal get removed? It seems stuck. Should the new bearing go all the way down? Do I have the right bearing? As you can see, the new seat goes all the way down, but sits oddly on the old seat/seal. Which was does the new seal go?  If I get this figured out, which of the old hardware is reused on the top end? (spacer, washer??)
Last edited by ssjones; 05/28/2009 7:21 PM.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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My neck stem bottom measures 30 mm. The ID of the new bearing looks maybe 1 mm smaller and just won't fit over the stem, where it gets slightly larger at the bottom.
The top bearing fits snugly - it came with two seals, not sure which way they orient.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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The race should press into the frame after you knock out the old one that the balls ran in. In this pic The part you are trying to press to the tree (race) should be pressed into the frame after the old has been knocked out. You have the bearing upside down.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Ah-ha! That would explain my dilemma... So, this part has to be knocked out?  Than, press in the new stuff oriented like this?  Does the same process occur on the top? These parts came out of the top bearing:  Quote:
The race should press into the frame after you knock out the old one that the balls ran in. In this pic
The part you are trying to press to the tree (race) should be pressed into the frame after the old has been knocked out. You have the bearing upside down.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yep, same on both ends and the narrow parts of the bearings face each other.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Yep, same on both ends and the narrow parts of the bearings face each other.
The lower bearing race still won't fit into the neck. I'll have to call All Balls tomorrow. In a Google search, a recent thread came up on TriumphRat.net where the parts sent out by All Balls for Triumphs was incorrect. Great, so my bike stays bungie-corded to the garage door, dangling (well, up on the stand).
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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Ok - now I'm stuck again - in two steps. Stuck Step One: Apparently the upper and lower bearing races need to be press-fit into the steering neck? The Haynes manual describes a tool to pull them into place, which looks like this: [image]http://[/image]  mrt202 - Did you use something like this? Or, did your races just slip into place? I'm thought I had the wrong bearings because they just didn't slip into place. Stuck Step Two - Apparently that lower race, which is press fit onto the steering neck does need to come off. The Haynes manual describes this process:  The two videos I posted earlier omitted these steps - if they had I would have been better prepared to do this or just grease up the OEM bearings. This website shows the entire job: http://www.dansmc.com/steering_bearings.htm
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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You can tap out the old races with some sort of drift (piece of round stock, long screwdriver ,or the like) Just work your way around in a circle and just move it a little at a time until you work them out.
I have a race drift made of aluminum made to drive those type races in place. You can also use a block of wood to carefully drive them in place, carefully being the most important part. You can also use a long bolt with washers to draw them in like in the picture of the tool, just be sure they don't pull on the surface that the rollers ride on.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Check Pants
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I had no clue this step was necessary (I'm a little slow). I guess the guys saying it only took a few minutes were just repackign the OEM bearings. My bottom bearing was completely devoid of grease - no wonder I had a wobble! I'm trying the all-thread/bolt/washer contraption to pull it in. AllBallsRacing did confirm I have the right spec bearing. I put the races in the freezer and fit a lot better this morning. When I get home, I have to take the bottom tree to the bench and get that old seat off. I'll probably have to carefully cut it off, it's on pretty firm, prying didn't seem to yield much. Hopefully I can get this buttoned up in the next day or two. The light bar with turnsignals didn't allow me to remove that, so I zip tied it up as much as possible. I ended up pulling the tank to get clearance on the top nuts. Hopefully, my large adjustable wrench will be able to get them in place correctly. The slim levers (2) would make it a lot easier. This job was a lot more difficult than I had anticipated. Hopefully this info helps others down the line. Quote:
You can tap out the old races with some sort of drift (piece of round stock, long screwdriver ,or the like) Just work your way around in a circle and just move it a little at a time until you work them out.
I have a race drift made of aluminum made to drive those type races in place. You can also use a block of wood to carefully drive them in place, carefully being the most important part. You can also use a long bolt with washers to draw them in like in the picture of the tool, just be sure they don't pull on the surface that the rollers ride on.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
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I assumed you knew you had to knock the old races out. If i remember correctly, i used a long punch or chisel- through the top of the steering head- to knock the lower race out.The races came out easily enough. I then used the old races in combination with a bushing driver set to install the new races. I don't recall it being very difficult, but then i do this sort of thing nearly every day.
Just like installing new wheel bearings, i overtightened the adjuster nut while turning the forks side to side in order to make sure the races were fully seated, then readjusted to what i felt was proper preload.
Sorry you're having a tough time with it.
In retrospect, i should have taken pics of the process, but i was just in a rush to get it done on Friday night so i could ride Saturday.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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No worries, I learn better under stress. You guys have been good putting up with my stupid questions. I have all the items for my homemade press, will try that tonight. One more. Once I have the races in place, on the bottom race - will that have to be driven onto the steering stem or just slip into place and get pulled up when the top nut is tightened? Quote:
I assumed you knew you had to knock the old races out. If i remember correctly, i used a long punch or chisel- through the top of the steering head- to knock the lower race out.The races came out easily enough. I then used the old races in combination with a bushing driver set to install the new races. I don't recall it being very difficult, but then i do this sort of thing nearly every day.
Just like installing new wheel bearings, i overtightened the adjuster nut while turning the forks side to side in order to make sure the races were fully seated, then readjusted to what i felt was proper preload.
Sorry you're having a tough time with it.
In retrospect, i should have taken pics of the process, but i was just in a rush to get it done on Friday night so i could ride Saturday.
Last edited by ssjones; 05/29/2009 5:16 PM.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
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There should be an interference fit, in other words you shouldn't be able to install the races without some force.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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Ok, thanks. I saw on a website a piece of the appropriate size PVC pipe works for that. Does freezing the bearing help for that as well as the race? Quote:
There should be an interference fit, in other words you shouldn't be able to install the races without some force.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
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No harm by freezing the race. It may help a bit.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
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Quote:
My bottom bearing was completely devoid of grease
Is this common? Have others seen this? I'm wondering if I need to pull mine, just to check. I'd rather do it now at 9K than after it wallows out the race.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I would recommend you check it soon. The thing is, if you disassemble it to clean and check it, why not go ahead and upgrade? Tapered bearings have WAY more contact/surface area, and are much better than ball bearings in this application!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
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I would wait and see hows ssjones turns out 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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Quote:
I would wait and see hows ssjones turns out
Friday Update:
- races installed with the homemade threaded rod and washers. I ended up tapping them into place with a piece of wood and a rubber mallet. They went pretty easy, no drama.
- Cut the bottom race off with a Dremel and small cut off wheel, easy.
- Installed the new bearing on the steering neck.
WOW - that took some effort. I found my garage floor jack was a perfect fit and drove it most of the way down. About 1/2" from the bottom, it wouldn't go any more. The neck increases to 30 mm here and my jack handle was too small (actually bulged out the jack handle metal).
Off to Lowes - a piece of 1.25" threaded PVC, 10" fit perfectly.
I had to hammer quite hard on the PVC with a piece of wood and a metal hammer. After a lot of pounding, I got it the final 1/2" into place.
Final insertion of the trees and adjustment begins shortly.
Wish me luck, hopefully have test ride results on my next entry.
I would advise everyone check and at least grease/adjust their bearings. My bottom bearing was completely dry, no grease at all. It didn't feel loose on the stand, but that had to have been a problem.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
It's a piece of cake from there on out. I would bet money that your headshake and/or tire cupping issues will be gone.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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What's the easiest way to inspect the lower bearing? Does everything need to be completely disassembled? This sounds like a potential warranty issue that I'd like to check out, but not if it takes all day.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
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After taking the top triple clamp off and removing the two adjusting/lock nuts and the top bearing, just jack the bike up and the bottom bearing should become visible.
I didn't take mine all the way apart, just enough to work some grease into the lower bearing.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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OP
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Well, all done. Just back from the test ride. Smooth as silk.
Could my OEM bearings have been greased and adjusted? Probably.
I couldn't get the two headset nuts to adjust without the special narrow wrench. So, I cut one out of a piece of steel, which worked fine (and suggested earlier in the thread).
Put it all back together, wheel on. Putting the brake caliper back on I discovered that I hadn't routed the brake line correctly under the headlight wire harness. With my tall bars, that extra space is critical. So, off comes the wheel and the left fork. Removed the top shroud cover, rerouted and all is fine. Will have to adjust the headlight one evening.
Very smooth, took her up to 80 mph on the interstate. In addition to headshake, I had some vibration at highway speeds. All that is gone.
Thanks to mrt202 and Dog for the advice.
This job is not for a novice. I've had the top of my motor off twice for a valve job but this tested my mechanical expertise. And you will have to get creative with tools. Now I know what it involves, I could do it again. I guess that was just a challenging learning experience.
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Xchoppers posted they now make a wrench for the headset adjustment that has the square hole to put on a torque wrench. Only $10, but $20 shipped. Still beats the factory wrench ($50/set?) http://xchoppers.com/product_info.php?products_id=1924 
Al
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Re: Headset Adjustment?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
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I thought Id add my .02 since I just installed the All Balls kit on my America....
First....I did not like the idea of using bering made in China. I ordered the All Balls kit with the intent of returning it after I found a better set of berings. HA!
After seeing the dust shields and comparing them with OEM I knew I needed to use the ones form All Balls.
After having a couple local bering places look up berings and NOT being able to find the right ones and both places telling me the berings in the kit were good I decided to bite it and use the All Balls kit.
Installation went fairly easily but I did want to share a couple of tips in case anyone else tries this....
* I had my upper & lower yokes chromed so I had the steering stem pressed out by my local shop then once they came back I had the stem pressed back in as well. So I did not have to go through the hassle of trying to remove my lower bering race...sorry, no advice here.
* To install the new bering race on the lower yoke I used the old OEM race (upside down and cut) and a pipe (the end of my jack handle worked very well for this) along with a mallet.
- I cut the old OEM bering race with a cutting wheel to allow for easier removal once I got the new race in place. By doing this it gave me a solid edge bering to bering surface as well as a larger lip to set the pipe against.
* I heated up the bering race and stem with a heat gun and it helped. Still not easy but with a few good whacks it went on nicely.
For the races that needed to pressed into the neck...
* I got them in initially by using my mallet and a piece of flat metal to smack them in level.
The needed to go in further so...
* I again used the old OEM races, upside down as described above and a piece flat metal to drive them in the rest of the way.
The OEM races popped out with a large flat head screwdriver once they were driven in completely.
All in all this wasn't so bad but again, I did not have to try and get the old race off myself.
I was pretty focused on getting this done so I didn't get any pictures for you. Maybe when I do Karen's Ill snap some start to finish.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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