WTB Spanner Wrench or Castle Nut Socket

[bigjohnsd]

Also purchased a 36mm socket for the Top Nut at Sears for $8.00

 

[MrM0t0]

Now that you've decided that the factory style wrench is unsuitable, you'll need to research the correct tourque setting as the physics of a wrench on the same axis as the nut make the FSM value inapplicable.

 

[TomInPA]

Looks good John. I'll head to Sears for my 36mm socket tomorrow.

From what I understand, there is no difference in the torque value for a center axis socket and the offset socket used with a torque wrench at 90 degrees. Fred said it, must be true.

Anyone watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight?

 

[TomInPA]

Got my 36 mm socket today...at Lowes. Sears is gone from my part of town.

On arriving home, I stuck that socket in the top steering nut to check the fit, and it turned! With finger pressure. It was so loose, no wrench required.

I wonder why my steering was making noise.

 

[TomInPA]

I thought I'd close this out by saying, the steering head maintenance turns out to be one of the easiest operations on the bike. About 45 minutes total. With the handlebars and triple tree lifted out of the way, the castle nuts, washer and seal come right out. I removed the top bearing and cleaned the bearing and races. Slight brinneling is visible. The steering head drops down far enough to reach up and clean and lube the lower bearings, although that is mostly a blind operation. I used some boards to jam the wheel and lift the steering back into place and put everything back together. Did the factory torque recommendations, then realized I didn't put the top seal back in. Removed the castle nut and assembled, then finished with the 13 ft lb torque. 85 lbs on the top nut seems like a lot.

Thanks for playing, and for all the ideas on getting the wrench and socket. The whole job was under $40 with the new tools.