Steering Head Adjustment

[mikeholzer]

So, I couldn't take it any longer and I tore apart the front forks to replace the steering head bearings. As expected, I found the upper bearing satisfactory, but the bearing race was badly brinelled, and the lower bearing was dry, rusted, and stiff. Long story short, parts easily acquired from Zanotti's (thanks for the lead on that one, you guys), repair easily made. However, I do not own the required tool (Yamaha Tool #YU-33975 (USA) or 90890-01381 (UK)) to correctly tighten the ring nut at the top of the steering head. I fabricated a "custom" tool using some stainless and a modified 4WD socket, but it didn't work super well, and I don't feel I got the torque set correctly.

I am hoping one of you has the correct tool. I've seen its picture in the manual, and if I had one in my hand, I could design one up on SolidWorks and run it on the water jet at work to make a copy. Regardless, I'd like to readjust my head bearings, and I'm hoping one of you has the tool and would be willing to rent it to me for a very short time. I'd gladly offer a rental fee and pay the freight in both directions.

PM me if you are willing to participate. I'd really appreciate it.

[racerman_27410]

just tighten the ring until the forks/triple clamps freely drop to the steering stop (from just off center) and do not bounce back off the stop.
of course the front end needs to be off the ground to perform this adjustment.
Kookaloo!

Frank

[MyFirstNameIsPaul]

Is there a spec listed for the amount of pull on the clip-ons?  That's the spec that's always been more important to me.  Can easily be set using a fish scale.

For future reference and for others, the All Balls kit is a lot less expensive than the factory kit and includes the dust covers.

Also, although it's probably too late for you, I installed a zerk fitting on my FJ.  That way I never have to take the stupid thing apart ever again.

[higbonzo]

I picked up one of these to do mine   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-TOOL-STEERING-STEM-NUT-SPANNER-WRENCH_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem5acf39328cQQitemZ390023688844QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Works fine. Just make sure your tank is off when using these tools.

Later.....

[mikeholzer]

Also, although it's probably too late for you, I installed a zerk fitting on my FJ.  That way I never have to take the stupid thing apart ever again.

It's funny you should say that; I did the very same. It seemed like a good idea since I already had the whole damned thing apart. I'm not so worried about water getting in and ruining the lower bearing again, either, now that the whole damned housing is packed with grease.

They should have included a seal with the upper bearing, too. I guess I see things differently now working as a designer.

[MyFirstNameIsPaul]

One of things I like about my Kawasaki is that there are zerk fittings for every bearing cavity in the front and rear suspension, even the shock linkage.