Topic: Steering is off

[flatbedlovetruck]

Hello Everyone,

I have just rebuilt a CB750K4 and am having some problems with the steering.  I put new all balls bearings in but the steering feels unstable.  It doesn't shake and isn't hard to turn but feels like it's pulling from side to side.  Is there something wrong with the bearings?  Maybe the wheel is out of alignment?  Not sure what to do.  It felt too stiff, so I loosened the spanner nut.  How tight should the spanner nut be? 

Thanks for any help!  I'm excited to get this project back out on the road but feels unsafe!

 

[Stev-o]

Sounds like you put the wrong spacer in.  Did you use the thin one?

[flatbedlovetruck]

Thanks for the reply.  I will take it apart and see.

[NobleHops]

If it's doing a slow weave from side to side while under way it probably indicates that the steering head bearing is too tight. You must loosen the top bridge bolts on fork tubes, see if you can sneak a punch under the top bridge, go 1/16 of a turn looser on the adjuster, then re torque top bridge to fork tube bolts, go for a ride.

Please report back what you learn.

[flatbedlovetruck]

Looks like I didn't use any spacer...not sure why and now I can't find them.  I don't think the top race is seated all the way and I didn't have room for the spacer.  Look's like I'll have to do it again.  Thanks for the help!

[Stev-o]

The thin spacer should be placed between the lower portion of the triple and the lower bearing.
You'll have to remove it - can be tricky to do without damaging it.
I'd get a new kit and start over.


Read this before the next install...


http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,1516.0.html

[flatbedlovetruck]

Steve-O......I did just order new bearings, thanks.  Just so I'm clear....does the spacer go on first on the bottom or the column, then the dust seal, then the bearing?  And on the top, just the bearing, dust seal, and spanner nut?  How tight should the spanner nut be?  Thanks for the help....the bearings should be here this week so I'll let you know how it worked out.

[NobleHops]

Steve-O......I did just order new bearings, thanks.  Just so I'm clear....does the spacer go on first on the bottom or the column, then the dust seal, then the bearing?  And on the top, just the bearing, dust seal, and spanner nut?  How tight should the spanner nut be?  Thanks for the help....the bearings should be here this week so I'll let you know how it worked out.

I'm not Steve-O, (nor do I play him on TV), but the spacer, if you need it, does go under the seal on the bottom of the steering stem. Read the AllBalls instructions carefully and measure. I needed it for my 400, but others have not.

[Stev-o]

Steve-O......I did just order new bearings, thanks.  Just so I'm clear....does the spacer go on first on the bottom or the column, then the dust seal, then the bearing?  And on the top, just the bearing, dust seal, and spanner nut?  How tight should the spanner nut be?  Thanks for the help....the bearings should be here this week so I'll let you know how it worked out.

I'm not Steve-O, (nor do I play him on TV), but the spacer, if you need it, does go under the seal on the bottom of the steering stem. Read the AllBalls instructions carefully and measure. I needed it for my 400, but others have not.

I'm not NobelHops, but I have drunk my share of Hops!

Hard to measure the original ball bearings now as they are prolly scattered all over the garage, but yes, the thin spacer, then dust seal, bearing and race (which should already installed in head).

Use a hammer and 2x4 to set the race to avoid damage. And please read the thread I linked above. 

[flatbedlovetruck]

Thanks Steve-O and Noblehops!