Secret formula for gettingsteering bearings right

[Gtwildcat]

Has anyone got a secret formula that's easy to tightening up Lambretta steering bearings whilst in situ or is it an awkward bastard job for everybody? It's such a swine to get them "just right"

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

Well for a start you've got to take the headset assembly off; best to slacken any cable ties behind the mudguard and then lift the headset bottom off and backwards.

If you havent got the right tools, ALWAYS adjust the bottom nut just shy of tight and then when tightening top nut make sure front wheel is on the ground.
Block of wood under each stand foot. Set the wheel straight ahead. A vibration anywhere on the scooter should now cause the front wheel to fall left or right without resistance.
Slip the headset on and do it up lightly with the Allen bolt and "feel" and listen for any binding OR conversely any play or up and down movement. If you are not sure then lift headset off and set it up again. The top nut needs to be tight but all too often the bottom nut will tighten further when you don't want it to.
You have to get this right; it's not difficult but be patient.
When finished line up headset with wheel and not the mudguard.
Estimated time allowing for indecision and retightening: 60 mins.

Don't muller the nuts with a chisel; that is a last resort. I have seen some dreadful messes beneath the headset. If necessary buy new ones when stripped down.

BTW: A Raleigh bicycle spanner nearly fits bottom nut. Hacksaw or grind to fit (the spanner that is, not the nut !)

[Digger]

And yes it is an awkward job with everything "in-situ".

Pretty basic on a bare frame.