How "Snug" Do you get the Steering Stem Lock Nut?

Asked this question on another post and no replies. So I'll ask again.

How tight do you get the "Steering Stem Lock Nut" When replacing the stem bearings?

I see nothing in the manual about it and it would be hard to tell the torque of that nut since you use a spanner wrench or screw driver to tighten it up.

Also what do you torque the Steering head nut too?:pinch:


THANKS!!!!!

you have to do these in a sequise (steps)

install
1-adjust bearings nut (play) wheel flip flop and snug top locknut while holding bottom one
2-tighten top head bolt to 30 ft lbs
3-then the post cinch bolt
4-then your fork tubes last


basically the top head bolt holds them stem lock nut in place

if need more help i'll get the manual out

This is from my factory manual, the link in my signature.
Well that didn't post, and looks like the answer just came through from another member.

Ok, Thanks! How many steering stem locknuts are on the 1980 kz1000 model? I only had one on my bike but the manual I have downloaded shows two.

badrhino wrote: Asked this question on another post and no replies. So I'll ask again.

How tight do you get the "Steering Stem Lock Nut" When replacing the stem bearings?

I see nothing in the manual about it and it would be hard to tell the torque of that nut since you use a spanner wrench or screw driver to tighten it up.

Also what do you torque the Steering head nut too?:pinch:


THANKS!!!!!

If you have a Kawasaki service manual take a look at "Steering Stem Installation" under "Disassembly - Chassis." My KZ650 manual gives very specific instructions on installation including how to torque the locknut and top bolt. These instructions are for a KZ650, but they are VERY different than described in P21 post. I do believe that on any of these bike the locknut MUST be tightened a specific amount before tightening the top bolt because the locknut, not the top bolt determines how tight the bearings are. Better check the manual on this one to be sure. Ed

P21 wrote: you have to do these in a sequise (steps)

install
1-adjust bearings nut (play) wheel flip flop and snug top locknut while holding bottom one
2-tighten top head bolt to 30 ft lbs
3-then the post cinch bolt
4-then your fork tubes last


basically the top head bolt holds them stem lock nut in place
if need more help i'll get the manual out

If you don't mind please check the FSM on this point. On the KZ650 the locknut, not the top bolt, determines how tight the steering stem bearings are. I may be wrong, but I would be very surprised if it is that much different on the other KZs. The KZ650 FSM gives different torque specs for the locknut and the top bolt. Ed

Ed,

How many lock nuts did you have? I only took one off the stem. The service manual I have shows two in the picture.

Try the manual in my signature. I'm not sure which one of the 2 bikes that you have in your John Hancock is the one at question. but between the FSM and the parts fiche at Kawasaki.com or cyclepartsnation or bikebandit, you should get it straight.
Remember it is a bearing pre-load adjustment, then the lock to hold it there. The FSM has a great explanation, and torque settings although they use the factory wrench/ spanner.

Motor Head the frame is from a 1980 KZ1000. I have that manual downloaded and it shows two lock nuts in the picture and I only took off one when disassembling the unit. Is there supposed to be another?:ohmy:

badrhino wrote: Ed,

How many lock nuts did you have? I only took one off the stem. The service manual I have shows two in the picture.

Mine has 1 lock nut. I took a look at the KZ1000-A4 parts diagram on Kawasaki.com (see below) and it shows 1 lock nut (Item 4). Which service manual are you using? Ed

Good to see there is only supposed to be one.

Ed, I was using the same downloadable service manual that is in motor heads signature.

It says KZ 1000/1100 on the cover. Probably for the J model or newer. I don't have one for the 1980KZ LTD.

Wow! I looked through the manual in motorhead's signature and now I see where P21 got his information. That manual is radically different than any of my KZ650 manuals. It really gives no details when it comes to the steering stem lock nut; I couldn’t even find the torque value for it. It doesn’t even tell you how to check steering play. And you’re right, it certainly implies there are 2 lock nuts (even though the Kawasaki parts diagrams show there is 1). If possible maybe someone can cut and paste the steering stem installation section, including lock nut torque value, from an earlier KZ1000 manual assuming they have more detail. Ed