Kawasaki J300 - Service manual > Steering

Steering

Steering Play Inspection

• Raise the front wheel off the ground with the jack (see Front Wheel Removal in the Wheels/Tires chapter).

  Special Tool - Jack: 57001-1238

• With the front wheel pointing straight ahead, alternately tap each end of the handlebar. The front wheel should swing fully left and right from the force of gravity until the fork hits the stop.

  If the wheel binds or catches before the stop, the steering is too tight.

• Feel for steering looseness by pushing and pulling [A] the forks.

  If you feel looseness, the steering is too loose.

NOTE

• The cables and wiring will have some effect on the motion of the fork which must be taken into account.
• Be sure the leads and cables are properly routed.
• The bearings must be in good condition and properly lubricated in order for any test to be valid.

Steering Play Adjustment

• Remove:
  Handlebars (see Stem, Stem Bearing Removal in the Steering chapter)
  Steering Stem Locknut (see Stem, Stem Bearing Removal in the Steering chapter)

 

• Adjust the steering using the steering stem nut wrench [A].

  Special Tool - Steering Stem Nut Wrench: 57001-1100

If the steering is too tight, loosen the stem nut [B] a fraction of a turn.

If the steering is too loose, tighten the stem nut a fraction of a turn.

NOTE

• Turn the stem nut 1/8 turn at time maximum.

 

• Install:
  Steering Stem Locknut (see Stem, Stem Bearing Installation in the Steering chapter)
  Handlebars (see Stem, Stem Bearing Installation in the Steering chapter)

WARNING If the handlebar does not turn to the steering stop it may cause an accident resulting in injury or death.

Be sure the cables, harnesses and hoses are routed properly and do not interfere with handlebar movement (see Cable, Wire, and Hose Routing section in the Appendix chapter).

• Check the steering again.

  If the steering is still too tight or too loose, repeat the adjustment.

• Install the removed parts (see appropriate chapters).

Steering Stem Bearing Lubrication

• Remove the steering stem (see Stem, Stem Bearing Removal in the Steering chapter).
• Using a high flash-point solvent, wash the upper and lower ball bearings [A] in the cages, and wipe the upper and lower outer races, which are press-fitted into the frame head pipe, clean off grease and dirt.
• Visually check the outer races and the ball bearings.

  Replace the bearing assemblies if they show wear or damage.

• Pack the upper and lower ball bearings in the cages with grease, and apply a light coat of grease to the upper and lower outer races.
• Install the steering stem (see Stem, Stem Bearing Installation in the Steering chapter).
• Adjust the steering (see Steering Play Adjustment).

See also: