adjust steering head bearings??

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 23, 2020 | 05:20 PM

#51

BrandonSmith

HDF Community Team

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 7,902

Likes: 4,465

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by miketv84

Thanks . So I'm really just trying to confirm that checking is done without this batwing fairing. Based on the manual it appears that way.

Yes, "stock configuration" means the way the bike was when it left the showroom floor.

Apr 4, 2022 | 05:40 PM

#52

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,895

Likes: 1,909

From: East Coast, USA

I'm in the process of attempting to adjust the steering head bearings on my 2011 Ultra. I've loosened the fork stem nut and the two pinch bolts. I've tapped the forks near the pinch bolts with a rubber mallet. I have a neck bearing adjustment tool. Should the bearing adjuster nut be easy to turn? Do I need to hit the tool with a hammer to turn this star nut? My star adjuster nut seems stuck.

Apr 5, 2022 | 06:21 AM

#53

skydude426

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 1,696

Likes: 462

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

Yes, you have to tap the adjuster tool with a hammer to move the star nut. It should move easily with a lite tapping. I use a bungee cord hooked onto my handle bars to keep them turned to the right when adjusting the bearings tighter on the left side and vise versa when adjusting the bearing looser from the right side. .
You will have to adjust it, torque down the fork stem nut, then check it with the swing test. It usually takes me several tries to get it just right. You won’t need to move the star nut far to make a difference. I get it to just barely break into the third swing on the swing test. That’s the best spot. It should just barely start the third swing with the fork stem nut torqued down.