Steering head bearings

[Mountain rider]

I've got an 03 1800 and while I'm fussing with the front end, brakes, tire, ect., I thought it might be a good time to check, service, or replace those bearings. Just how involved is resetting the torque? I'd prefer to keep it simple for now if possible. If replacing or servicing them, I'm assuming you'd have to remove the front forks and remove the triple tree. Since there's nothing to cause me to be overly concerned right now, I'd plan that for the next Winter upgrades and just re-torque them for now. Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

[Asphaltmaniac]

I've got an 03 1800 and while I'm fussing with the front end, brakes, tire, ect., I thought it might be a good time to check, service, or replace those bearings. Just how involved is resetting the torque? I'd prefer to keep it simple for now if possible. If replacing or servicing them, I'm assuming you'd have to remove the front forks and remove the triple tree. Since there's nothing to cause me to be overly concerned right now, I'd plan that for the next Winter upgrades and just re-torque them for now. Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

If there are no issues. I wouldn't touch them unless to replace with new or the tapered kind. I did replace mine with the tapered, and followed the torque procedure and spec as per the bearing manufacturer. If you need one,DHS Racing in San Diego sells the steering stem spanner wrench.

[keithg64]

Yeah if there is no issue and your planning on replacing it next year, I would wait. It does require a special notch socket for a proper torque setting. However if you decide to replace go with the tapered all balls brand. And let us know.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

To test, on a flat road in 5th gear at 50mph, let go of the bars and allow the Wing to decelerate. Check for pulls left and right, and for handlebar wobble. Any wobble ???

[tfdeputydawg]

Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

To test, on a flat road in 5th gear at 50mph, let go of the bars and allow the Wing to decelerate. Check for pulls left and right, and for handlebar wobble. Any wobble ???

As a decel wobble happens on most Wings, what would your test prove??????

[Mountain rider]

Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

To test, on a flat road in 5th gear at 50mph, let go of the bars and allow the Wing to decelerate. Check for pulls left and right, and for handlebar wobble. Any wobble ???

I'll do that once I get her back together. It's finally warming up enough that my driveway is no longer white and I don't see my breath all day in the garage. I'll get the new Progressive spring installed on the rear shock and the new braided pre-load hose in as well. I'm pretty sure everything will be happy, but better safe than sorry. Thanks for all the replies.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Of course, if I find something bad, I'll go ahead and just do it.

To test, on a flat road in 5th gear at 50mph, let go of the bars and allow the Wing to decelerate. Check for pulls left and right, and for handlebar wobble. Any wobble ???

As a decel wobble happens on most Wings, what would your test prove??????

That tapered bearings are likely needed to get rid of it. Basically, that is one of the best ways to know that steering head bearings are loose. Another test is during parking lot maneuvers. Lots of steering correction in the middle of turns indicates loose steering head bearings too. However, that is more for a rider that is able to recognize it. Many become accustom to it.

[Mountain rider]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated. Well, she's finally back together so we went for a quick ride. 50MPH and decelerating, no wobble. 45MPH, set the cruise and let go, no wobble or drift, just cruising in a straight line. She's good for this season, but I think I'll do them as an upgrade next Winter. Thanks again.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated. Well, she's finally back together so we went for a quick ride. 50MPH and decelerating, no wobble. 45MPH, set the cruise and let go, no wobble or drift, just cruising in a straight line. She's good for this season, but I think I'll do them as an upgrade next Winter. Thanks again.

Good work Sargent! Now ride, and thats an order!

[Mountain rider]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated. Well, she's finally back together so we went for a quick ride. 50MPH and decelerating, no wobble. 45MPH, set the cruise and let go, no wobble or drift, just cruising in a straight line. She's good for this season, but I think I'll do them as an upgrade next Winter. Thanks again.

Good work Sargent! Now ride, and that's an order!

Sir, yes sir, sir.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated. Well, she's finally back together so we went for a quick ride. 50MPH and decelerating, no wobble. 45MPH, set the cruise and let go, no wobble or drift, just cruising in a straight line. She's good for this season, but I think I'll do them as an upgrade next Winter. Thanks again.

Good work Sargent! Now ride, and that's an order!

Sir, yes sir, sir.

Be safe out there sarge