Steering Head

STEERING HEAD

A.   Adjustment

Refer to "D. Reassembly" for steering head adjustment procedure.

B.   Removal

1. Remove the cowling assembly, meters, horn, front wheel, front forks, handlebar cover and handlebars.

2.    Remove the front brake pipe junction.

3. Remove the stem bolt and steering crown.

4. Support the steering stem (under bracket) and remove the fitting nut (ring nut).

5. Remove the top bearing race and all of the bearing balls from the upper bearing.

Ball quantity (upper and lower): 38 pcs.

C. Inspection

1.    Wash the bearings in solvent.

2.    Inspect the bearings for pitting or other damage. Replace the bearings if pitted or damaged. Replace the races when bearing balls are replaced.

3.    Clean and inspect the bearing races. Spin the bearings by hand. If the bearings are not smooth in their operation in the races, replace bearing balls and races.

I. Bearing race

D. Reassembly

1. Grease the bearings and races with wheel bearing grease.

2.    Install the steering stem (under bracket), bearing balls, and races.

3.    Install the bottom fitting nut. Tighten it to approximately 2.5 m-kg (18 ft-lb) and loosen it approximately 1/4 turn.

4.    Tighten the fitting nut securely with the ring nut wrench.

5.    Continue reassembly in the reverse of disassembly order.

6.   When assembly is complete, check the steering stem by turning it from lock to lock. If there is any binding or looseness, readjust the steering stem tightness.

Steering stem bolt torque: 5.4 m-kg (30.0 ft-lb)