Kawasaki Z400 - Service manual > Steering

Steering Play Inspection

• Raise the front wheel off the ground with a suitable stand.
• 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 am properly muted.
• The bearings must be in good condition and properly lubricated in order for any test to be valid.

Steering Play Adjustment

Remove: Middle Fairings (see Middle Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter)

• Loosen: Lower Front Fork Clamp Bolts [A] (Both Sides)

• Remove: Steering Stem Head Nut Plug [A]
• Loosen: Steering Stem Head Nut [B]

• Raise the front wheel off the ground with a suitable stand
• Adjust the steering

Special Tool - Steering Stem Nut Wrench [A]: 57001-1100

If the steering is too tight, loosen the stern nut 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
• You may adjust the steering using the adjustable hook wrench [A].

Special Toll - Adjustable Hook Wrench: 57001-1863

Tighten:

Toque - Steering Stem Head Nut: 49 N*m (5.0 kgf*m, 36 ft-lb) Lower Front Fork Clamps Bolts: 23 N*m (2.3 kgf*m 17 ft-lb)

NOTE

Tighten the two lower front fork clamp bolts alternately two times to ensure even tightening torque.

• 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 [A] and lower [B] ball bearings, and wipe the upper and lower outer races, which are press-fitted into the frame pipe, dean off grease and dirt.
• Visually check the outer races ah the ball bearings.

Replace them if they show wear or damage.

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

See also: