Steering Bearing Adjuster Tool Source?

[Suzi Q]

Under the gauge cluster and at the top of the steering stem is a 4 point spindle nut with an outside diameter of 40mm and a torque spec of like 50 lbs. Anybody have any idea where the heck to get the right sized socket for the torque wrench? I know about the technique involving a drift/hammer, but I'm hoping to be a little more exact.

Thanks

[The Buddha]

A drift punch a nice 45 degree angle cut 1/4" square steel rod ?? I dunno, you're supposed to be able to move it with a dowel used like a punch. Its easier, and you can do it all assembled. You can try to get a spanner type thing on it too, no idea.
Cool.
Buddha.

[qcbaker]

When I spun the spindle nut off and on when doing my front end, I didn't even use a wrench... I just took a larger set of needlenose pliers and opened them so that each nose went into the parallel notches on the spindle nut and then twisted the nut off and on that way. I didn't even know there was a torque spec for that nut. I guess it makes sense though, considering its holding the steering stem on lol.

[The Buddha]

Torque specs on it IMHO is this.
Hand tight and back off 1/8th turn if new and prepare to adjust it again a few rides later.
Hand tight and back off 1/4 turn almost if reusing an old bearing that's been cleaned and re lubed with fresh new synthetic grease.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Suzi Q]

Suzuki's spec is 32.5 pounds, so I'm trying to find the proper tool for the job. Thanks for the input though!

[Suzi Q]

Nevermind. Apparently I just needed the right google keywords.

http://www.gbmotorcycleproducts.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=gs500%20steering%20stem%20nut%20socket and also on ebay.

[The Buddha]

You tighten the bearing nut to 32.5 ft lb and I can guarantee you, the bike will not turn ... ever.
32.5 may be the upper to lower tighten against each other torque, so they wont come loose.
Sorry, AI was giving you the lower one's tightening procedure.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Suzi Q]

I don't know. It says "steering stem head nut" and 32.5 pounds. Guess I'll try it and see.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/791753/Suzuki-Gs500-F.html?page=15#manual

[The Buddha]

Be very very careful as you start cranking the thing. keep testing the steering for  - well movement, cos I believe you'd knacker the bearings long before you get to 32.5. As you tighten it stop where the steering starts to feel off, and back off to where it feels right, regardless of your torque.
I'm pretty certain 32.5 is the locking torque - BTW what is the locking torque speced in the book ?
Cool.
Buddha.

[Suzi Q]

The manual says to tighten to spec (32.5 for F's, 36 for E's)

Then turn the lower bracket "5 or 6 times" to seat the tapered bearings

Then back off 1/4 to 1/2 turn, which will vary from motorcycle to motorcycle.

It's at the bottom of page 6-21 here:

http://www.carlsalter.com/pdfs/Suzuki_GS500E_89-99.pdf

[The Buddha]

OK, I'll be turning it as you climb the torque specs. I cant imagine it will stand 32.5 or 36. The new bearings have plastic cages and they can easily break, of course I put metal cage tapered rollers in any bike I take the neck off in.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Suzi Q]

uhhh yeah. ain't no plastic cages goin' in muh bike.

I ordered the socket, will post back with results.

[the_63]

20 QUID?!! THAT'S 30 VK AT THE UNI BAR! 


Chris

[Suzi Q]

I don't understand what you're saying. I couldn't find it anywhere else though. It does seem obnoxious.

[the_63]

VK are a bottled alcopop drink in the uk. The learning institution I attend sells them 3 for £2. For £20 I could get soooo tipsy! Just seems steep for a tool you won't use very often.

Chris

[Suzi Q]

I concur

[gsJack]

I adjusted the the steering stem bearings on one of my GS's some years ago but didn't buy any expensive tool like that, probably used a large pair of arc joint pliers.  Worked out fine but I had adjusted tapered auto, truck wheel bearings many times using arc joint pliers.

[J_Walker]

Ohh yeah.. I hacked up a big ol' socket with a dremel for a DIY one.

[pliskin]

The "Stem Head Nut" is the one on the top of the triple. I think the one he is talking about is the round slotted one under the triple. TI can see the head nut torque at 32lbs but the one that adjust with the spanner should gently hand tight.

[The Buddha]

The "Stem Head Nut" is the one on the top of the triple. I think the one he is talking about is the round slotted one under the triple. TI can see the head nut torque at 32lbs but the one that adjust with the spanner should gently hand tight.

The tool in that picture wasn't for anything but those 2 locking things under the triple.
Cool.
Buddha.