Adjusting Steering Head Bearings

Hi

I was just trying to adjust the steering head bearings on my friends 98 VFR800. I found that after I had taken the triple tree off & removed the upper locking castle nut, that I could not budge the lower adjustment castle nut. I was using a castle nut spanner, but it would not tighten or loosen. The bikes front end feels fairly loose, so I was surprised that the nut would not budge. I have adjusted hundreds of other bikes & if it was any other bike I would have sworn that the front end would have to be locked up solid for the castle nut to be that tight.

Is there another nut under the large washer on the top of the steering head?
Does the bike have tapered needles?
How does one adjust the steering head?

I bet Honda has a nifty socket tool to tighten the castle nut. Still I cannot see how it can be this tight & still allow the front end to move
Thanks. If only we had a shop manual.
Chris ???

 

Hi

I replaced the head bearings at 13.000 miles on my 1998 vfr 800,due to notch and tendancy to shake it's head,anyway on disassembly I found a distinct lack of grease,probably why the bearings were failing,perhaps thats where your problem lies,the nut maybe siezed,mine needed gentle persuasion,but it loosened o.k. try some anti-sieze fluid.
please let me know what the outcome is thanks.

 

Hi again

Assuming that you've removed the following components, 1.black plastic cap, 2.steering stem nut,3.top yoke,4.locknut, after bending lockwasher tab down,5.lockwasher,6.adjusternut should undo with gentle persuasion
On readjusting the headbearings,slightly overtighten then back off until left handlebar only just flopsover to the left on it's own accord,adjustment should then be about right,but recheck.There is a torque figure given in my manual,but i found it too tight.
please let me know outcome.Thanks.

 

Thanks David

I did remove all the parts you mentioned. The last castle nut would not budge, to tighten or loosen. I have worked on lots of bikes before. If any other bike had the steering this tight then the front end would be seized solid. I think you must be right that the threads are seized, since the front end is loose.
Will give it another try. I never like to force things if I am at all uncertain of the parts involved.
Now I know there is not another nut below.
Does the bike have roller bearings or tapered needle in the steering head?
Thanks
Chris

 

Stock steering head bearings are ball bearings top and bottom. Best to replace them with tapered roller bearings. They are available mail order from CBR bearing co. for about $60

 

veRe: Adjusting Steering Head Bearings

OR, you can get a set of tapered rollers, complete with dust seals from All Balls racing.

I ordered mine through a local dealer and they were $29.99 Cdn (tax out)

As a matter of fact, I am installing the yokes into my frame tomorrow.

Tip to install the lower tapered bearing onto the steering stem:

-utilize the old inner race that you previously pounded off the steering stem (the one that sat on the lower triple clamp).

-dremel off a couple thousandths of an inch from the I.D of the race so it slips all the way down the steering stem to the lower triple clamp easily.

-install dust seal and drop on the new tapered lower bearing.

-invert the modified old race with the small end facing down and drop it on top of the tapered roller bearing. It should only contact the inner race of the tapered bearing.

-pound the bearing down using the old race inbetween. I used a 2' section of 1-1/4 galvanized pipe.

-remove the modified old race and enjoy!