| Author | Message | ||
     Barryt |
Well guys I F***** up bad. I was installing tapered bearings in my steering head and everything was going pretty smoothly until I tried to tighten the fork cap. I am pretty sure something wasn't seated because the fork cap only grabbed the very first thread on the steering stem. Anyway I was tightening the cap and the steering was still really floppy so I kept going.. I know stupid.... It got tight then loose. Of course this was the first thread on the stem and nut getting messed up. Question #1 How far down on the steering stem threads does the cap generally get to before you get to the 38-42 lbs torque. I I really only caught the first thread. If it was fully threaded I dont think there is anyway I could strip it with a standard ratchet. Question #2 What is the thread size and pitch? I can try to get a tap and a die tomorrow and save the threads. Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Rayycc1 |
I'd look carefully at the threads...a file may save you | ||
| Barryt |
The threads are 1 inch coarse as far as I can tell. I am going to go to harbor freight and pick up a tap and die set tomorrow. The big set comes with a 1 inch fine and coarse... hopefully its what I need. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I'm somewhat confused. The top of the stem should project up more than a couple threads. Were you trying to seat the bearings by tightening the stem nut? | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Try a GOOD tread file first. You probably won't need the die. I have 3 of them, two Std and one Metric. They have bailed my butt out so many times I've lost count. If you've not heard of these or don't know how to use them, check out this article. http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-tools/thread-file/ (Message edited by bluzm2 on April 18, 2015) | ||
| Teeps |
Post photos of the problem. | ||
| Barryt |
Xbimmer: I have my moments, but the bearing races were already seated. It appears the issue was the steering stem was binding instead of the upper triple clamp. I drove a common screw driver into the cap tightening area to open it up. After that the stem stock through the triple clamp much higher. Literally with out opening the cap area with a screw I couldn't hammer the stem through the upper. Teeps: I will post a picture, but it is just mushed up threads on the steering stem were the threading starts. | ||
| Barryt |
I ended having the correct pitch (11) thread file. I was able to get the stem itself cleaned up pretty well, but I have to wait on harley (5-7) days to get a new steering stem nut. Funny when I order parts from the BMW dealer they get there in 24-48hrs. God I hate Harley. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Shouldn't have had that issue to begin with. Spread the upper enough to remove it, leave the wedge (screwdriver, whatever) in place on the bench, set the new bearings, reinstall and torque the trees, remove wedge, tighten pinch bolt. Sounds to me like your bearings aren't set all the way. | ||
| Teeps |
At least for now Harley is still willing to order parts for Buells. Good to hear you got the big part squared away. | ||
| Barryt |
Ratbuell: I will quadrupedal check the races (timken) I visually checked the races a few times and they appear all the way seated. Maybe I am to strong? Seriously though in the light tomorrow I will check again and make sure. I would like to point out that even though I crapped the bed on this one I have put in plenty of bearings in so I dont think I made a mistake, but I make mistakes from time to time.  -Barry (Message edited by barryt on April 20, 2015) | ||
| Barryt |
Well Harley got my part in early (they didn't call me of course) I will be putting the bike back together today! | ||
| Pedalpimp |
I recently installed Timken race/bearings, I don't feel like they seated properly. The races appeared to have enough of a chamfer to account for a small corner radius in the bottom of the bore in the neck. And I pressed them as tight as I thought was appropriate, but still. Its been nagging me. | ||
| Barryt |
Well I'm back on two wheels. The new nut torque'd up properly. I didn't get a chance to ride it tonight, but I will let you guys know if I live tomorrow. |
