So, last week I finally got around to checking the grease in the steering head. I have the service manual and read up on checking it. I turned the handelbars to the right stop as per the instructions. Found the grease zert. Attached the grease gun tube to the zert and started pumping in the grease.

The instructions say that grease should be pumped in until it starts to flow from the top and bottom of the head. I pumped in about 1/3 of a tube with no evidence that the head was filled up.

Am I just filling up the frame? Or, should I figure that the factory or dealership simply did not put grease in the head when assembled? Should I continue filling up the head until grease appears as per the service manual?

And, does anyone know when the head should have been greased? During assembly at the dealership? Or, at the factory?

 

I would go ahead and finish installing the grease until you see it. When bikes are assembled seems like they use very little grease.

 

Took about 1/2 if not 3/4 of a tube of Lucas Red & Tacky #2 before it started to ooze out a bit per the instructions. I had my 1K service and they didn't touch it at all...there must have been a tiny bit in there from the factory because some light colored grease oozed out with the red

 

What type of grease does it take?

 

Just finished mine while doing my 10k service. Same as you did about 1/3 and did not see anythng. Pumped some more and it oozed top & bottom. So mine took about 1/2 tube.

Good Luck!

 

My service manual calls for "Special Purpose Grease" (part # 99857-97)

 

Anybody know the size of the zerk fitting? So I can change it out to a 45 degree.

Thanks

 

If you use the grease that Harley uses be ready for it to run down your forks for a while specially when its hot outside, I said something about it at my last service and they switched to the heavier red tacky grease, just sayin.

 

Yup mine was all but dry, took at least 1/2 tube, I had and used green waterproof wheel bearing grease because that is what I had.
I now give the fitting a pump or two every oil change, whip up any major overflow.
Seems to work.

 

I used the Lucas Red & Tacky #2 and no dripping or anything