While replacing the speedometer on the Bagger, I checked the free play in the steering head.
I was shocked to find it had quite a bit of free play.
I put in new bearings earlier this year. I got it on the road in August. I ran it about 2,000 miles since then.
It took about 3/4 to 1 full turn on the spanner nut to get it back to where it should be.
It's hard to do the "fall-away method" with the cables attached. The FSM calls for 7-8 ft-lbs on the nut, which comes out tight for the "fall away".
I ended up just compromising with a little less than 7-8 ft-lbs, but a bit tight for "fall-away.
Moral: Steering bearings can settle in after assembly; even if you think the races were fully seated.
I was shocked to find it had quite a bit of free play.
I put in new bearings earlier this year. I got it on the road in August. I ran it about 2,000 miles since then.
It took about 3/4 to 1 full turn on the spanner nut to get it back to where it should be.
It's hard to do the "fall-away method" with the cables attached. The FSM calls for 7-8 ft-lbs on the nut, which comes out tight for the "fall away".
I ended up just compromising with a little less than 7-8 ft-lbs, but a bit tight for "fall-away.
Moral: Steering bearings can settle in after assembly; even if you think the races were fully seated.
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