steering stem head nut...

[buddoggin]

Do I need a special tool to for this???

I'm referring to item B.

Thanks!

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

no ... just a socket to suit

what do you plan to do ?

[Craigo]

Yes...The special tool is called a socket wrench....?

[buddoggin]

Yes...The special tool is called a socket wrench....?

The manual says special tool and doesn't list a size. What size is it? None of my sockets fit.

[Craigo]

I think it's a 32mm...not near my bike to check..

[buddoggin]

no ... just a socket to suit

what do you plan to do ?

My stealing is way too loose. I need to figure out why.

[Craigo]

Number 17 on this diagram is the one you need to check 1st..if your steering feels loose

and take it easy with the stealing....??

[buddoggin]

Number 17 on this diagram is the one you need to check 1st..if your steering feels loose

and take it easy with the stealing....??

Thanks! I'm typing on this damn iPad I just got. What do I use on 17?

[Craigo]

You will need a special tool for this one.....(castle nut)

-The top nut gets torqued to 65 lbs/ft.

-The bearing retainer nut (castle nut) gets torqued just enough to snug the bearings, without causing them to bind. The service manual says to tighten it to 32.5 lbs/ft, turn the steering back and forth several times, and then back off the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

-Upper triple clamp pinch bolts get 21.5 lbs/ft of torque.

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

inspect the bearings for wear ... if all is good , give them some grease

[buddoggin]

You will need a special tool for this one.....(castle nut)

-The top nut gets torqued to 65 lbs/ft.

-The bearing retainer nut (castle nut) gets torqued just enough to snug the bearings, without causing them to bind. The service manual says to tighten it to 32.5 lbs/ft, turn the steering back and forth several times, and then back off the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

-Upper triple clamp pinch bolts get 21.5 lbs/ft of torque.

Do u know what size castle nut tool and what size socket for the top nut? Sorry for all the questions but the manual is no help on this.

[Craigo]

As said before the top nut is a 32mm...

Here some more info...

https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241370&highlight=steering+head+tool

https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=989825&highlight=steering+head+tool

[Jobistober]

You don't necessarily need a special tool for the castle nut. Put on some gloves and snug it down as tight as you can with your hands... that should be sufficient.

[Craigo]

Doing the job correctly requires the correct tool...It would be worthwhile to follow the procedures in the links and grease your head bearings as well..

[Noble]

Channel lock pliers work fine on the castle nut. Pre-torque is not critical. Tighten, loosen, tighten the top nut, evaluate steering is free of any looseness but not over tight. Readjust the castle nut as needed. The bearings are going to feel loose until the top nut is tight.

[GetFuzzy]

I used a small cold chisel to lightly tap it tight.

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

channel lock pliers work fine on the castle nut. Pre-torque is not critical. Tighten, loosen, tighten the top nut, evaluate steering is free of any looseness but not over tight. Readjust the castle nut as needed. The bearings are going to feel loose until the top nut is tight.

+ 1 ..

[Erik Marquez]

Simple hook tool used on bicycle bottom brackets and steering stem nuts works just fine as well.

And while pliers and channel locks have a place in my roll-away .. I just cant bring myself to use them as described above, nor recommend they be used like that.

Make or buy the socket.. Make or buy a simple hook tool..

To each his own, do what works for you

[Craigo]

I used a small cold chisel to lightly tap it tight.

So..your not tempted to reach for cold chisel there Eric...??

[Erik Marquez]

So..your not tempted to reach for cold chisel there Eric...??

I’d be lying if I said I have not used a drift on a castle nut more than once when I had no other choice (away from the shop, tool in the toy Hauler are copious, but not complete)

And I might in that situation grab and round over a cold chisel point to tap a castle nut loose.. But it’s not something I would recommend, nor ever do as a plan.