Modern Vespa

Hello,

New MP3 owner here.
Last week, I bought a barely used 2009 MP3 500.
My first fix was to pull the coolant tube away from the fan. I am now getting ready to do my first service - engine oil and filter and gear oil change.
While I was buying the oils and the filter, the dealer mentioned something about retorquing the steering, so I started researching, and so far found two relevant topics - greasing the bearings of the side sleeves, outlined in Technical Bulletin 019-2010, and another about adjusting the preloading, with reference to Technical Bulletin 012-2012. I was able to find the bulletin about the greasing, but have not been able to find complete instructions for adjusting the preloading. I spent a lot of time searching this forum and the wider internet, but only found fragments of information. I read the complete thread about greasing bolts modification, and there I found some information about the preloading adjustment, but not enough to feel comfortable. Perhaps it is a trivial job once you have done it, but I haven't yet so I am cautious.

My question to you is, could you please share the detailed instructions for adjusting the preloading, with some photos if possible, and with specific torques. I have some experience working on smaller engines, but have never done steering adjustment, and don't know where to look. My understanding is that the shop manual specifies wrong torque. I see that AF1 carries the greasing bolts 020943Y, and what looks like the right tool for the preloading adjustment 020892Y, and am ready to invest in those.

Thank you,
-Stan

PM sent

Any way to share the information? I don't have the notch yet, but I'd like to be able to check the preload and do some preventive maintenance.

Given the depth of discussions on this matter, it's likely Search will turn up a few too many threads to reasonably wade through. Try the Steering Bearing Adjustment 2010 link in THIS one...

also search for the gonzo tweek

Thanks for the info.

I just did the engine oil and filter and the transmission oil change.
Getting ready for the steering preloading adjustment and greasing. I spoke to the people at Big People / Seattle Vespa and they seem to know what they are doing, so bringing it to them is also a possibility. I will sleep on it and decide. I will share my progress if anyone cares.

The Technical Bulletin specifies torques 12-15 Nm for the lower, and 20-24 Nm for the upper ring nuts. Do I need to tighten them to these torques and then turn back some, or just tighten and leave them?

Me, I'd tighten the lower to the torque specified (to squeeze out any extraneous grease after fully greasing), then back off and then hand-tighten again. Check for any loose play, tighten or loosen as required while leaving zero pre-load. Then add the lock washer and upper ring, torque that to spec.

You won't go too far wrong going by the book on this though, 12Nm isn't much more than hand-tight anyway.

Please pardon my ignorance; what is a zero preload? Do I need to lift the front off the ground so that the wheels don't touch it?

Yes.

Great, thank you. Next, I need to purchase the tools. AF1 has them. Getting ready...