Steering stem adjustment?

[RVFHooligan]

Anyone have a special trick for adjusting the steeering stem (head race bearings)? Here's the problem. I can adjust the lower adjuster nut to the perfect spot, then when tightening the top lock nut I am "in between" two slots for the locking tab. What I mean is if I go to the looser slot/tab, it's too loose, and if I go to the tighter slot/tab, it's too tight and ends up moving the lower adjuster nut even tighter. I have tried it several times and I have tried using 3 different shock spanner tools but none of them fit too well because the nuts are smaller. I guess what I really need is someone to hold the lower nut while I go at the top nut, but I still think it will move the lower nut and the adjustment will be too tight. Been doing the build all by myself so does anyone have any better ideas?

EDIT: I should probably just go with the looser setting and after getting it on the road log a few miles and come back and re-adjust. Right?

EDIT, EDIT: Don;t mind me, I am just thinking out loud here. I suppose since I don't have the front end assembled and it's not bearing any weight that will affect the adjustment also, correct? OK, I'll just shut up now and wait until it's all assembled before I attempt any further adjustment. Thanks for all the help! :D

[Sligeach]

EDIT: I should probably just go with the looser setting and after getting it on the road log a few miles and come back and re-adjust. Right?


thats the best idea you have come up with, although if they are excessively loose they mite get damaged. in general head race bearing do settle after 10-20 miles after installation and do need re-adjustment

[arsey30]

You can fit the locknut upside down to change the relative positions of the 2 nuts, but the lock should only be tightened hand tight, the lower tabs are sprung to enable you to feel when the lock nut touches the tab, then tighten to the next slot.

The installed top yoke will clamp the lock nut into position and stop it moving, without altering the bearing adjustment.

Dave.

[RVFHooligan]

Thanks Dave, I'll try it again. It was finger tight and then to get to the next tab it would get too tight. There are 4 tabs, 90 degrees apart, and I think the top nut has 8 notches. Haynes manual says not to go more than 90 degrees from when the top nut makes contact with the adjuster nut.