Steering Head Bearing Help

[cvarner]

So I have a clunk in my front end and have tried to adjust my steering head bearing but I am not sure if I am doing it right. I lifted the front end of my lightning up using rachet straps unbolted the handle bars and loosened and tightened the bolt under the handle bars. I still have the same clunk. If anyone could walk me through the process I would be very thankful.

 

[snrusnak]

They could be worn out....how many miles?

Are you lifting the bike by the triple trees of any other front suspension part?

 

[cvarner]

I have almost 11,000 on the bike and no I wasn't lifting it by any of the front suspension parts.

 

[oh9bolt]

Did you loosen the lower triple fork pinch bolts?

 

[cvarner]

No I didn't. Should I loosen all the bolts and re-tighten? Is there a specific order for tightening them?

 

[go cytocis]

I don't recal but the manual walks you through it step by step by model & year. It's invaluable.

 

[cvarner]

Any place have the manual online?

 

[snrusnak]

Top of the forum has the service manuals free download.

I replaced mine at less miles than you have and they were in really bad shape. May be time.

 

[RT Performance]

if there loose and clunking it is time to replace them.

The factory uses a seal ball and tightening really doesn't help

 

[snrusnak]

I'd recommend the all balls tapered roller bearings, they work great. Pretty inexpensive too and easy to swap.

 

[cvarner]

I just ordered the service manual too. I guess I should look around more.

 

[cvarner]

Is this the part I need?

http://www.allballsracing.com/22-1032.html

 

[snrusnak]

That appears to be correct. It says what models/years it fits on that page.

If you need any help let me know as I did it about a year ago, it's not very hard. You don't need the special tools the manual calls out but you just need to keep the old bearings(to hammer the new ones in) and need a long screwdriver(to hammer the old ones out). This saves you from needing the puller and install tool.