I have found no information in any of the usual sources regarding adjustment of the steering head bearings (FF124, FF128 and ball 321). It appears to me that this adjustment is accomplished by tightening the headclip nut (FF23) at the top of the steering tube.
Is the practice to tighten them to the point where play just disappears or should there be a slight 'loading' of the bearings? It seems to me that any looseness here could lead to a 'tank slapper'.
In addition, I would like to know if anyone can explain the purpose of the pad bushings FF41.
Is it necessary to 'slack off' the pad bushings before attempting to adjust the steering head bearings?
How tight should the pad bushings be tightened? It they are tightened too much, is there risk of damaging or deforming the steering tube?
Is there a recommended method for easing off the pad bushings? I have observed that the pad bushings are very tightly set in place, and fear that removing them will require such force that they likely will be damaged.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Is the practice to tighten them to the point where play just disappears or should there be a slight 'loading' of the bearings? It seems to me that any looseness here could lead to a 'tank slapper'.
In addition, I would like to know if anyone can explain the purpose of the pad bushings FF41.
Is it necessary to 'slack off' the pad bushings before attempting to adjust the steering head bearings?
How tight should the pad bushings be tightened? It they are tightened too much, is there risk of damaging or deforming the steering tube?
Is there a recommended method for easing off the pad bushings? I have observed that the pad bushings are very tightly set in place, and fear that removing them will require such force that they likely will be damaged.
Thanks in advance for any advice.