When using the socket I modified I noticed that it was really easy for the socket to turn sideways while applying torque, but it worked just fine. The steel used in for the socket is very hard so if you cut it down by had be prepared to spend an hour or so filing it down.
DIY Steering stem nut Tool
Ok...
Like many of you, I'm unwilling to pay the outrageous price that Suzuki wants for the Steering stem nut socket ($169 Cdn), so I decided to try and make my own.
I've seen some people use a grinder on a 1-1/4" deep socket, which was my original intention, however I couldn't find a deep socket for little $.
I then also saw Motophoria here on SVRIDER use some galvanized steel plumbing parts with some steel rod.
I managed to get my hands on a steering stem nut that I could use as a template...
So here's my take on the idea for less than $8US in parts...
I went into the plumbing section of my local hardware store, and grabbed:
- 1-1/4" threaded 4" galvanized steel pipe
- 1-1/4" to 1" galvanized steel reducer
- 1" galvanized steel threaded cap
Using a marker, I marked out the areas that had to be cut out using a locknut as a template. I also used a visual aid to show how much depth I needed to grind away.
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I then grabbed some proper eyewear...
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I placed the pipe in a vise, and using a grinder I ground away...
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I used a file to clean up the edges and properly fit the nut
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Once I knew I was as close as I'd get, I screwed the 3 pieces together using some steel epoxy. It's still drying, so I have yet to use it. I'm pretty sure it'll work just fine...
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Oh yeah, the top cap can be used with an open end wrench, or a socket (I think 21mm or 22mm)
It's not as pretty as the Suzuki tool, but it will get the job done without mutilating the soft-as-butter aluminum locknut by using a hammer and a screwdriver.
Like many of you, I'm unwilling to pay the outrageous price that Suzuki wants for the Steering stem nut socket ($169 Cdn), so I decided to try and make my own.
I've seen some people use a grinder on a 1-1/4" deep socket, which was my original intention, however I couldn't find a deep socket for little $.
I then also saw Motophoria here on SVRIDER use some galvanized steel plumbing parts with some steel rod.
I managed to get my hands on a steering stem nut that I could use as a template...
So here's my take on the idea for less than $8US in parts...
I went into the plumbing section of my local hardware store, and grabbed:
- 1-1/4" threaded 4" galvanized steel pipe
- 1-1/4" to 1" galvanized steel reducer
- 1" galvanized steel threaded cap
Using a marker, I marked out the areas that had to be cut out using a locknut as a template. I also used a visual aid to show how much depth I needed to grind away.
I then grabbed some proper eyewear...
I placed the pipe in a vise, and using a grinder I ground away...
I used a file to clean up the edges and properly fit the nut
Once I knew I was as close as I'd get, I screwed the 3 pieces together using some steel epoxy. It's still drying, so I have yet to use it. I'm pretty sure it'll work just fine...
Oh yeah, the top cap can be used with an open end wrench, or a socket (I think 21mm or 22mm)
It's not as pretty as the Suzuki tool, but it will get the job done without mutilating the soft-as-butter aluminum locknut by using a hammer and a screwdriver.
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21 - 24 of 24 Posts
If it's 36mm then why not just start with a 36mm socket instead of a 1.25"? I went and bought a 34mm tonight before coming home and seeing it was to short at the flat sides. It looks about 2mm short, ironic since I then found this post and will be exchanging it for a 36mm tomorrow...unless there's a good argument against starting with a 36mm, or I can't find one, but I believe O'Reilly's had one on the rack. I've got to get my bike finished, this is too depressing....
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21 - 24 of 24 Posts
