steering bearing adjustment

[His Dudeness]

I'm a bit confused by the instructions for adjusting the steering bearing so I thought I'd check before I do anything with it. The manual seems to say slacken off the lower ring nut totally, then tighten it to 52NM, then slacken it off totally again and then tighten it to 18NM. Is that right? Page 3-36 of the 98 service manual. I guess the first 52NM tightening is just to pull everything together and make sure everything is lined up properly?

[His Dudeness]

If anyone has to tighten their bearings I used the method described on Page 3-36 of the 98 service manual and this tool  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161063734501?redirect=mobile And it worked fine. No more looseness or clunking from the steering for now anyway. That tool has a 1/2" slot cut into it so if your torque wrench is 3/8" you'll need a adaptor that converts 1/2" to 3/8"

[MarkWales]

just ordered one to try


Fingers are crossed that it just needs tightening

[His Dudeness]

Good luck! The 52Nm is to preload the bearing. If you've got some moly grease you can lube the bearing while you're at it. If it's been loose for a while it'll feel like a new bike when it's all done.