Steering Head Bearings - Buell 2006LIGHTNING MODELS Service Manual

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STEERING HEAD BEARINGS

GENERAL
The steering head bearings are sealed, angular contact bear-
ings and do not require additional lubrication.
Check steering head bearing resistance:
At every 5000 mile (8000 km) service interval.
When storing or removing the motorcycle for the season.
INSPECTION
NOTES
Check that throttle cables do not bind when measuring
bearing resistance.
Steering head bearings are sealed and do not require
additional lubrication.
Steering head bearing resistance is not adjustable.
Replace bearings that do not meet resistance specifica-
tions.
1. Detach clutch cable at handlebar. See
2. Place a scissor jack under jacking point and raise front
wheel off ground. For location of jacking point see
EXHAUST SYSTEM.
1 1
WARNING WARNING
Steering must be smooth and free with no binding or
interference. Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn
or damaged steering or suspension systems. Contact a
Buell dealer for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steer-
ing or suspension components can adversely affect sta-
bility and handling, which could result in death or
serious injury. (00113a)
3. Check steering stem bearings for notches by turning
front wheel full right and then left. Repeat if necessary.
4. Next place wheel facing straight ahead and grabbing
both fork sides at the bottom move front-end forward and
back to check for steering head play.
5. To inspect for correct steering head resistance turn front
wheel all the way to the right.
6. See Figure 1-36. Hook a spring scale into the hole in the
front axle. With scale 90 degrees from fork leg, pull front
wheel to center position.
a. The desired resistance to pull front wheel to center
is between 1-7 lbs (0.5-3.2 kg).
b. If steering head resistance measurement is not
within specification, see
RESISTANCE.
7. When adjustment is complete, attach clutch cable and
adjust. See 1.8 CLUTCH.
1-38 2006 Buell Lightning: Maintenance
1.8 CLUTCH.
2.31
DETERMINING PROPER
8421
Figure 1-36. Measuring Steering Head Bearing
Resistance
DETERMINING PROPER
RESISTANCE
1. Detach clutch cable at handlebar and ensure that throttle
cables do not bind before measuring steering head bear-
ing resistance.
2. Remove steering stem pinch fastener at upper triple
clamp.
3. Loosen steering stem capnut and back off several turns.
4. Remove lower triple clamp pinch fasteners, two per side.
5. Tighten steering stem capnut to 38-42 ft-lbs (52-57 Nm).
6. Turn front wheel all the way to the right.
7. See Figure 1-36. Hook a spring scale into the hole in the
front axle. With scale 90 degrees from fork leg, pull front
wheel to center position.
8. The desired resistance is between 1-7 lbs (0.5-3.2 kg).
NOTE
If the correct specification cannot be achieved, the steering
head bearings must be replaced. See
HEAD BEARINGS.
9. Once correct steering head resistance has been verified,
apply LOCTITE 272 to steering stem pinch bolt, install
and tighten to 23-25 ft-lbs (31.1-33.8 Nm) XB9SX only.
All other models 20-22 ft.-lbs (27-29.8 Nm).
10. Apply LOCTITE 272 to lower triple clamp fasteners,
install and tighten to 20-22 ft-lbs (27.1-29.8 Nm).
11. When adjustment is complete, attach clutch cable and
adjust. See 1.8 CLUTCH.
12. Remove scissor jack.
1.12
2.18 STEERING