Front End Torque Values

Got questions? We got answers....
Post Reply
nls2299
Member
Posts: 27
Joined: 10:41 am Oct 14 2015
Country:

Front End Torque Values

Post by nls2299 »

So I pulled the stock forks on my 2001 KDX220 and rebuilt them with the appropriate springs.
I'm now going to reassemble and after checking the torque values, I've got a couple questions and wanted to know what others were doing.

The front axle torque is 65 ft-lbs. This is crazy tight and once tightened to that, my wheel definitely feels like it has drag to it when spinning it by hand. Is everyone torquing to this value and experiencing the same thing?

As for the torque specs on the triple clamp pinch bolts.
For the upper I am seeing 14.5 ft-lbs, but some are saying 10 ft-lbs.
For the lower I am seeing 18 ft-lbs, but some are saying 12 ft-lbs.

I believe the 30mm nut on the steering stem is 33 ft-lbs and it looks like everyone has been consistent on that?

Just curious as to what specs everyone is following. The axle tightness is what made me immediately question everything.

Thanks guys.
User avatar
Sullyfam
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 459
Joined: 12:19 am Dec 10 2013
Country:
Location: Fort Worth, tx

Front End Torque Values

Post by Sullyfam »

Front Axle 65lbs
Fork upper 14.5, lower 18
Stem head nut is 33

65lbs is a lot so back it off to 55 and see if it feels better. It ain't gonna fall off [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
User avatar
KDXGarage
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 14047
Joined: 06:45 am Nov 01 2004
Country: United States of America
Location: AL, USA
Contact:

Re: Front End Torque Values

Post by KDXGarage »

stock values, just make sure everything is lined up properly
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
User avatar
doakley
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1241
Joined: 02:58 pm Mar 10 2016
Country:

Re: Front End Torque Values

Post by doakley »

Something must be misaligned or your torque wrench is out of calibration. I use stock value of 65 lbs all the time with mo issue.
pumpguy
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 821
Joined: 10:00 am May 29 2012
Country:
Location: Spring Grove, Illinois

Front End Torque Values

Post by pumpguy »

When doing up the steering head nuts on my bike, after first tightening up the lower nut, I found when then tightening up the uppermost nut, there was a very noticeable drag on the bearing. I found I had to slacken up a little on the lower nut, then torque up the upper nut.

I am attributing this to the thread clearance between the nuts and steering stem. When tightning up the lower nut, the thread flank contact is "up", and when then tightening up the upper nut, the thread flank contact for the lower nut changes to "down", causing increased force against the steering head bearing.

Just my own observation and conclusion, but thought others might find this interesting.
nls2299
Member
Posts: 27
Joined: 10:41 am Oct 14 2015
Country:

Front End Torque Values

Post by nls2299 »

Front end back together.
Went to replace rear bearings and noticed the hub is cracked...great...unreal.
Every time I touch this thing I find something else which was neglected by the p/o...
User avatar
KDXGarage
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 14047
Joined: 06:45 am Nov 01 2004
Country: United States of America
Location: AL, USA
Contact:

Re: Front End Torque Values

Post by KDXGarage »

Ugh. Bad luck on that.
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
nls2299
Member
Posts: 27
Joined: 10:41 am Oct 14 2015
Country:

Front End Torque Values

Post by nls2299 »

Definite bad luck.
eBay is turning up nothing at all either.
pumpguy
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 821
Joined: 10:00 am May 29 2012
Country:
Location: Spring Grove, Illinois

Front End Torque Values

Post by pumpguy »

Do a part number search. Many different Kawasakis use the same rear hub. Then check eBay and other sources for rear wheels or hubs from all the bikes that use that same part number hub.

In my case, I found a guy on Craigslist parting out an E series KDX 200 and so was able to get a spare wheel that was a direct fit on my H series.
Post Reply