Norton Commando Workshop Manual

## Front Forks/Steering

# G

### SECTION G6

### RENEWING STEERING HEAD BEARINGS

1971 and later models utilise saaled non adjustable ball journal bearings with a spacer tube to prevent the bearings being forced into the frame head tube. On such models, after removal of the forks as in Section G3, the bearing spacer tube must be pushed to one side so that a drift can be applied to the inner race of the bottom bearing and the bearing driven out with care. The bearing spacer will be released at the same time. By using the drift from the other end of the steering tube the second bearing can then be driven out.
To replace the bearings, fit the bottom bearing fully home into the housing absolutely square. Use a should ered drift through the bearing to hold it in line with the housing whilst abutting against the outer race. Place the R spacer tube loosely in position and drive the top bearing in to abut to the spacer tube.
As the fork yokes are assembled the bearings will be pulled up to the spacer tube.
1970 models used adjustable sealed ball journal bearings and these had no spacer tube. Removal and reassembly is similar to the sequence usad on later models except that both bearings must be fitted up to the abutments within the steering head tube prior to assembly of the steering yokes.

### SECTION G7

### STEERING HEAD ADJUSTMENT

1971 and later models - The steering head bearing arrangement, where the bearings abut to a centre spacer tube, is non-adjustable. The stem nut fitted from beneath the lower yoke has a tab washer to prevent slackoning.

Pre 1971 models - The steering head bearings take the form of ball journal bearings but are adjustable when necessary. If there is play in the steering head bearings the movement which takes place when traversing rough roads or when the front brake is applied will damage the bearings. To check the adjustment, support the motor cycle under the crankcase with the front wheel clear of the ground. Stand astride the front wheel, grasp the fork legs and attempt to move them backwards and for wards against the steering head races. Movement will most easily be detected by holding the fingers at the joint between the fork and steering head tube whilst checking.
Adjusting Pre 1971 Steering Head Bearings
1 | Slacken top nut (A) in Fig. G8 (this is facilitated by removing the handlebar).
2 | Release fixing nuts (B) to allow the fork tubes to slide in the yoke
3 | Using a Service Tool 060942, tighten adjusting nut (C) a little at a time to take up play. Continue to adjust until theforks turn freely from lock to lock without binding.
4 | When adjustment is correct, tighten nut (A), clamping nuts (B) and refit the handlebars.

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