Tightening steering stem

[Cigaro]

Hi there

By how much should I tighten the steering stem (the castellated nut holding it all together, that is) when it's been off the bike completely?

Is there a correct procedure to follow? Obviously I can't get a torque wrench on it, so my standard method is to bang it round with a hammer and a screwdriver, just don't know how to get the torque right.

[27cows]

Enough so the steering turns freely, but there is no discernible back and forth movement from the bearings. It's extremely easy to achieve with taper roller steering head bearings...a bit less so with ball and race ones. I normally use thread locking compound on the collar nut, to prevent the thing turning at all in use.

[Vincent]

You'll probably find they will need re-tightening after a few miles - once they've bedded in.

[yen_powell]

You can torque it if you have the right socket. I made one myself from a Halfords socket of the right diameter. It aint pretty but it works!
https://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b165/yen_powell/socket.jpg
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