Topic: Do You Need to Retighten New Tapered Steering Head Bearings?

[BobbyR]

I installed new bearings over the Winter. Made a big difference. It was not the All Balls Kit, Z1 was out of them so I bought the green box set. One spacer and no problem.

I think i read some where that after some period of time you have to tighten them down after they settle in.

Thanks,
Bobby

[LesterPiglet]

I had to when I changed mine. I think it was about a month before I noticed the front end clunking.    After cursing them because the front end didn't feel half as good as the original balls. I swore I would never buy tapers again then changed my mind after they bedded in.

[BobbyR]

I had to when I changed mine. I think it was about a month before I noticed the front end clunking.    After cursing them because the front end didn't feel half as good as the original balls. I swore I would never buy tapers again then changed my mind after they bedded in.

Thanks, how tight did you have to make them? I don't want to get clunking   

First ride with the new bearings the bike felt very light and responsive. I actually had to get used to it since the old ones were super notched. 

[70CB750]

I think HM says after 500 miles or so. Gotta do mine too. General aproach for taper bearings is to tighten till it bearly moves and then turn the nut back 30-60 degrees

The first step is to eliminate the play and in the second step you set just the right play.

[HondaMan]

Yep, those 'green box' ones are soft. I have had to retighten mine 3 times in 4 years, about to take them out and hand them on my next Christmas tree instead.

[BobbyR]

Yep, those 'green box' ones are soft. I have had to retighten mine 3 times in 4 years, about to take them out and hand them on my next Christmas tree instead.

I would do that Mark, but I am not taking all that crap off again. I will just torque them down again. 

[RAFster122s]

SohRon has a good how to in his 550 rebuild thread. It has the stem being tightened while moving the wheel, don't recall exactly the specifics.

[dave500]

if your not sure the cups were knocked in all the way if they settle down themselves finally home theyll need a slight tweak to pull the slack out,they should last for ever nearly if the stock loose balls lasted 40 years?