Topic: Steering head replacing bearings - How tight is tight??

[750goes]

Just replaced the steering head bearings with a tapered set, and after installing and greasing etc, being new bearings, and from previous posts on the forum, I tightened the lock nut up with reasonable tension, but have not gone full hammer at it..
The steering head without the forks is firm to move, but now glides both ways instead of clunking and gripping in the dead ahead position.

I would estimate about 2 pound pressure to smoothly turn the head, is this too loose or too tight ?


any comments appreciated.. .

[Steve F]

Seems a little tight by your description.  Tapered bearings will present a slightly higher resistance over the balls, but will be much smoother.  I adjusted mine so that with the front end in the air, a slight push with the back-side of an index finger will move it with ease.  I found that after riding the bike for a few weeks after the tapered bearing instal, that they needed further adjusting.  I'm thinking that one of the outer rings didn't get fully seated when I pressed them in.  Just remember that when you go to adjust the pressure on the bearings that you remember to loosen the clamping bolts on the forks first so you don't bend or crack the trees.

[750goes]

the bearings have been tightened with no forks or wheel on the frame, so I expect they may loosen a bit after a few weeks of wearing in..but I will test the load when I have assembled a few more bits and pieces.

thanks for the input

[stresssolutions]

I resurrect old threads.  Sorrry, it's what I do.

I replaced my old gummy balls with tapered bearings, too, and promptly forget to retighten after 500 miles or so, but noticed it all felt loose at about 2000 miles.  So I snugged it up, took maybe half to 3/4 turn on that nut.  2000 miles later, it is loose again, so another half to 3/4 turn on the nut. 

How often do you guys check/tighten your steering head?  The first time I did it, I may have tightened the pinch bolt before tightening the big nut on top of the tree, I wonder if that made any difference?  thanks

[BlackMax]

I have the exact same problem.....really funky to drive the bike with too much pressure to turn the forks.  I was going to post on this exact same issue myself.