Steering Head Lube & Adjustment

[weasel01]

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

[Landlubber]

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.

[beemer]

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!

[Barry]

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.

[weasel01]

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