Steering Stem Nut

[broodwich]

Hopefully this simple question has a simple answer. I just got the Stem Mount for my 2005. I was looking around and I found information on servicing the steering head bearing but I didn't find anything specific on installing the stem mount. It looks like a need a 36mm socket to remove the factory stem nut and I assume the same 36mm socket will work with the Techmount replacement. Is that correct?

Will anything bad happen if I remove the stem nut? Will bearings and other steering head parts fall out on the floor if I remove the nut to install the Techmount? Is there anything I need to watch out for when I install the new nut?

I think I'm good to go but I think it's better to ask questions first before I do something that could prevent me from riding because of my own doing. Thanks to Mark Johnson and your FJR Site for the helpful information that got me this far.

Todd

 

[Paladin]

Nothing will fall out. You can use a big pair of channel locks, I did. Put some electrical tape on the nut before you take it off, so you don't scratch it. Do the some on the techmount nut. Torque it correctly and all will be well.

 

[twowheelnut]

Hopefully this simple question has a simple answer. I just got the Stem Mount for my 2005. I was looking around and I found information on servicing the steering head bearing but I didn't find anything specific on installing the stem mount. It looks like a need a 36mm socket to remove the factory stem nut and I assume the same 36mm socket will work with the Techmount replacement. Is that correct?
Will anything bad happen if I remove the stem nut? Will bearings and other steering head parts fall out on the floor if I remove the nut to install the Techmount? Is there anything I need to watch out for when I install the new nut?

I think I'm good to go but I think it's better to ask questions first before I do something that could prevent me from riding because of my own doing.    Thanks to Mark Johnson and your FJR Site for the helpful information that got me this far.

Todd

Socket size is the same. A couple of notes:

Stem nut is torqued to 85 ft. lbs. Get someone to hang on to the *** end of the bike so she won't swivel on you when you torque on the nut. It can happen, trust me, I know. Nothing will fall out once you remove the nut 'cept maybe for some choice explicatives from your mouth...

If you can, get a six sided socket... One thing I'm noticing about this bike is that the bigger the nut, the more slop in the socket. You may want to hand try an inch-measure socket of similar size to see which one fits tighter. The 36 mm socket can slightly round the nut.

If you have risers on the bars, you may have to remove the one on the side of the mount that holds the allen head for the tightening screw. I've trimmed an old allen wrench down to make it fit between the riser and the bolt head. I'm trying to find properly sized thumb screws to make on the fly adjustments easier.

Techmount Hint. The knuckles can loosen so, what I do is put a small dab of clear silicone in the joint, adjust the top plate and stem to the preferred position and tighten it all up. Let the silicone set up for a couple of hours and it won't vibrate loose on you. Very unnerving to have your GPS go 'FWUMP' on your tank while at speed. Word.

 

[broodwich]

Thanks for the info. I have the Heli risers. Do you mean to tighten the allen bolt where the shaft of the Techmount meets the two half round pieces right above the stem nut.

 

[twowheelnut]

Yup.

 

[Bounce]

The details here include an exploded diagram of the steering head assembly. You'll be able to get a really good idea of how everything works. The bearings are held in place by locking rings (the crenellated rings[1] underneath the stem nut[2]).

[1] #8 and #10 with #10 having the lions share of the job and the higher torque

[2] #3

 

[broodwich]

Thanks guys. I have to get a 36mm socket first and then I can begin installing my new goodies. In addition to the Techmount I'm going to be installing a Powerlet socket, a Signal Dynamics flush mount voltage indicator, and a diy iPod dock connector for charging my iPod through the Powerlet socket. I'm still waiting to get some power distribution parts from The Electrical Connection.

 

[bigdolma]

broodwich, It was easier for me to by removing the wind shield.

This allowed me to use a breaker bar with the 36 mm nut more comfortably from the "front" of the bike. The angle between the bar and the nut will be near perfect for the amount of torque you need to remove it. You have less obstructions if you do that and less chance in bangin into bike parts. Do cover the nut though with something like others have mentioned.