Head bearing check/adjustment by robB
Tools needed
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35mm socket/spanner or a large adjustable wrench
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6mm Allen key
- Friend - he doesn’t have to be a tool ;)
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C spanner or stem nut wrench
- Philips screwdriver - not your mate Phillip’s screwdriver, silly
Parts needed
To check the head bearings:
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Place the bike on the side stand
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Get your friend to lift the bike up onto the stand so that the rear wheel is on the floor and the front wheel is in the air
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Grab the fork leg bottoms on either side
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Pull the forks back and forth feeling for any knocking or movement
If there is no movement then your head bearings are adjusted correctly!
If there is movement then you need to go to the next bit.
Firstly we need to get a few bits out of the way.
Remove in order (highlighted in yellow)
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Air (Hoover) pipes from top of tank cover - These should just pop off the cover other wise undo the jubilee clips and remove that way.
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Petrol tank top cover - 3 screws. See picture.
We are now ready to adjust the head bearings
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Loosen large nut on top of yoke (highlighted in yellow)
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Loosen 5mm pinch bolts on side of top yoke (highlighted in yellow)
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Loosen 5mm pinch bolts for the clip-ons (highlighted in yellow)
This is the stem nut; note the groove taken out of the side for the stem nut wrench to locate into
Turn the handle bars fully to the left or right depending on which is easier for the adjuster to get onto the stem nut. In this case the bars are fully to the right
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Using the C spanner or stem nut wrench, tighten the stem nut slightly
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Check for play as described earlier, if there is still movement go to previous step and repeat until there is no play.
Remember to also check the movement of the forks from side to side ensuring the movement is smooth and at no point stiff. If the steering becomes stiff, then the adjustment it too tight.
Once all play has been eliminated, put everything back together in reverse order of disassembly.
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© zxrworld & RobB
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