How much to tighten triple clamp bolt?

[pkbarbiedoll]

How tight should the triple clamp nut be?  I thought it was really tight when I put my bike back together last night, but now I feel a tiny bit of play.  The bars move Very easily from side to side, they didn't use to do that.

[KXcam22]

I am assuming you mean the large nut at the top.  they are typically around 80 ftlbs but I don't know the exact KX value.  It sounds like you don't have your bearings set tight enough.  The threaded collar under the top tripple clamp is what sets the bearing clearance.  After that is tight the top nut only holds the top tripple clamp on but does nothing for bearing clearance.  To fix I would suggest: loosen the top tripple clamp nut and the top fork pinch bolts. Gently use a punch and hammer to tighten the collar until the steering head bearing play is gone.  It is hard to have them too tight.  The steering should move smoothly from side to side with a  slight bit of resistance and no play whatsoever.  Then tighten the top nut and then the pinch bolts.  Hope this helps. Cam.

[don46]

The actual steering stem nut is about 15 inch pounds, and the jam nut (nut on top of triple clamp is about 80 ft lbs). Having said that I have tightened the steering stem nut tighter to prevent headshake, that was common in the old days , now steering stabilizers do away with headshake. I don't use a torque wrench, I over tighten to ensure the bearings are seated, then back it off bit. Ideally you don't want it loose, but you don't want it to tight either.