The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: weasel01 on July 10, 2009, 11:43:51 PM

Title: Steering Head Lube & Adjustment
Post by: weasel01 on July 10, 2009, 11:43:51 PM

So I did this procedure tonight and the only thing I'm unclear about is the adjustment ...how tight should the adjuster be?

Title: Re: Steering Head Lube & Adjustment
Post by: Landlubber on July 11, 2009, 02:44:11 AM

With the bike on the mainstand, make sure the front wheel is off the ground. The wheel should be able to go from side to side without feeling any resistance from the bearings. Tighten the head bearings just firm enough to feel that there is no play in the bearings after swinging it from side to side max. If it feels tight at all it is too tight.

If you have a tendancy to centralise, or feels at all clunky,, the bearings both need replacement, as the will be gouged. it is a good idea to swing the head from full lock to full lock at least once a month no matter if ridden or not, as this will assist lubrication.

Title: Re: Steering Head Lube & Adjustment
Post by: beemer on July 11, 2009, 03:19:34 AM

I did mine not to long ago following the info on this site,and they are fine,you need to grab the fork ends and pull back and forth to feel for play after adustment,mine fall very easily from side to side,i cleaned all the goo off the bearings with alcohol(not whisky!!!)a good job done!

Title: Re: Steering Head Lube & Adjustment
Post by: Barry on July 11, 2009, 03:24:36 PM

I thought it was safer to have a slight pre-load on the steering head bearings to provide a degree of damping.  I set mine so they fall from side to side slowly not too easily. If the bearings are in good condition this will not cause any notchiness.

Title: Re: Steering Head Lube & Adjustment
Post by: weasel01 on July 11, 2009, 08:24:06 PM

I tried it at a couple different tightnesses and finally found the spot I was looking for ...feels smooth as silk.