Steering Nut Loose

[OrangevaleFJR]

bummer...my steering nut (36mm) has marks on it now...didn't use the 6 sided socket...used the one with more sides (12?)

don't do it. 80 lbs was torqued on it and it messed up the bolt sides :-(

Oh well.

 

[teerex51]

That's annoying. :erm:

For Xmas you can ask for the custom steering nut made in UK by TastyNuts

(you can pick your favorite color).

Tasty Nuts

 

[moby one]

OraggevaleFJR, was just the nut loose or the spanner nut too? I have heard a clunk coming from my bike when large bumps are encountered. Is that what you would call normal? I checked the front end for any slop by having my neighbor lean on the back end while on the center stand while i reefed on the front wheel and forks. I couldn't detect any slop. I have been thinking of taking it apart and re-torquing everything.?.?

Anyone with a shop manual have those torque specs?

mo

 

[teerex51]

Moby One

As per Workshop Manual loosen the Triple Tree Pinch Bolts, remove the Steering Head Nut and lift the Triple Tree off the fork (I keep it out of the way with a bungee cord that I run around the windshield).

Remove the Lock Washer, the Upper Ring Nut and the Rubber Washer.

Tighten the Lower Ring Nut to 52 NM (Sears torque wrenches have both NM and Ft/Lbs) You will need the Yammy or Bikejohnny tool here. Then loosen it by one turn and retighten it to 18NM.

Replace rubber washer, finger tighten the Upper Ring Nut and put the Lock washer back into place.

The Steering Head Nut (36mm socket) should be tightened to 115 NM, the pinch bolts to 34 NM.

Enjoy

Stef

 

[Ramblin Man]

On the 03, I used a 1 1/4" six point socket. It's a very snug fit and has been mar free so far. I mention it only because your local sears may have a six point SAE socket that fits in stock. They pulled mine out of a drawer of odds and ends, brand new and fits better than the metric socket designed for that size nut.

 

[Bounce]

Servicing the Steering Head Bearing

 

[sparky3008]

The Steering Head Nut (36mm socket) should be tightened to 115 NM, the pinch bolts to 34 NM.
Enjoy

Stef

115NM/85 ft lbs

 

[oldgoat]

i put electrical tape around the nut before tightening, seemed to do the trick, no scratches. or marring

 

[moby one]

Great info, thanks everybody.

Can't ride today, family reunion YUK! :bad:

 

[moby one]

Just for the heck of it while i'm waiting for my spanner tool from bikejohnny, I put the torque wrench on the 36mm sterring head nut. @85# it turned about a 1/4 turn before the "click". I rode 150 miles afterward and didn't notice any "clunk". Maybe that was the trick. But when I get the spanner I will check everything. What do you guys/gals think, could it be that simple?

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

If you place a shop towel or paper towel over the nut before torquing, it doesn't mar it then. Even with a 12 point socket.

 

[moby one]

Another 200 miles with the local boyz and no "cherchunk'". i think I''m good.

escape and trini showed me the ropes today., we had a little twistie session.

 

[sparky3008]

Just for the heck of it while i'm waiting for my spanner tool from bikejohnny, I put the torque wrench on the 36mm sterring head nut. @85# it turned about a 1/4 turn before the "click". I rode 150 miles afterward and didn't notice any "clunk". Maybe that was the trick. But when I get the spanner I will check everything. What do you guys/gals think, could it be that simple?

I had reported/asked about vibrations at speed and some mentioned this bolt as well. After tightening just like you the problem was gone. Totally amazing the bolts that are loose on this thing. I almost can't wait for a free weekend so I can go over the whole unit...

 

[moby one]

10-4 Sparky,

Rode it again and the same story, no clunk.

I just received the spanner and axle nut adapter in the mail and will probably wait for winter to do the full blown sterring maint thing.

I didn't really notice a change in the vibes. I did put the taki's on in the meantime but then took them off. They seemed to absorb the vibes but they changed my wrist angle too much and I was getting numbness even with the cruise on.