My 2008 K-9 owners manual says to repack the steering head bearings at 500 miles and every 5000 miles thereafter. This seems like overkill especially if you consider the time/cost to disassemble the front end. However, is it needed because of the front end rake (heavy loading)? Is everyone complying with this requirement? Thanks.
Steering Head Bearing Repack Requirements
- Thread starter Whistler
- Start date
BubbleHead
Big Dog Biker test account
I would like some input on this issue as well Whistler. I've been curious abut the same subject. Let's see how many responses we get.
BBD
BBD
I beleive for the most part it is a part of maintenance. I had mine done at 500 miles and it was actually was recomended to me to have it redone at 2500 then at 5000 after that. I guess to each his own when it comes to how we maintain our dogs, I just go ahead and do it when I feel it should be done.
BubbleHead
Big Dog Biker test account
Hey OM, exactly how much work is it to take it apart to lube these bearings?
Do you have to disassemble wiring and both trees?
Do you have to disassemble wiring and both trees?
I don't have the manual here.. but I think you are just suppose to inspect them in some fashion. There is NO WAY you are to replace them in that time frame.
And BBD.. you could look at my fork service how to or Narrows to get an idea on how to get at them. I pulled mine for the first time at about 6k and they looked like new...
Here's what mine looked like with new Mobil 1 synth grease on them
plus the nice cleaned race
And BBD.. you could look at my fork service how to or Narrows to get an idea on how to get at them. I pulled mine for the first time at about 6k and they looked like new...
Here's what mine looked like with new Mobil 1 synth grease on them
plus the nice cleaned race
It would be quite a bit of work if you've never done that type of stuff before. I didn't find it to be that bad though.
BubbleHead
Big Dog Biker test account
Gas as usual, great pictures and info on this subject. I suppose I will have Blackdog do this for me when I get it serviced next. Just to be safe about it after all this is a critical pivot point on the bike. Gas, as always , your the man! Thanks,
BBD
BBD
txchopperguy
Well-Known Member
I know mine have been done when I get it serviced at the dealer...after a few weeks there is grease on the neck.
BubbleHead
Big Dog Biker test account
Hey Gas, is there a torque spec for tightening the bearings? I might just check mine before I take it in for service. Thanks,
BBD
BBD
txchopperguy
Well-Known Member
Lift the front end off the ground...back out the set screw that locks the adjustment nut in place...tighten the adjustment nut untill there is no slack in the front end, making sure you do not impede turning...tighten set screw to lock adjustment nut back in place. I think that covers it...there is no torque spec on this if I recall.
txchopperguy
Well-Known Member
Thanks gas...I was just repeating what the Serv. Mgr at the dealership told me once. Why I needed to know the information was a another story...lol
Front Fork Bearing Fall Away Adjustment
The steering head bearings are supposed to be adjusted/tightened using the "fall away" process. Lift the bike so that the front end is off the ground. My Harley Dyna Wide Glide says to tighten the bearings so that the front fork falls away off to either side from a range of 1" to 2" from center. The Big Dog service manual sould provide more specifics, however I don't have one yet for my 2008 mode.
The steering head bearings are supposed to be adjusted/tightened using the "fall away" process. Lift the bike so that the front end is off the ground. My Harley Dyna Wide Glide says to tighten the bearings so that the front fork falls away off to either side from a range of 1" to 2" from center. The Big Dog service manual sould provide more specifics, however I don't have one yet for my 2008 mode.