Dotetcher Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 So took the bird out for a few hundred miles today. Had fun. Got back and was heading to the gym when I felt a clunk from the front end. I;m not sure if the handling feels a bit heavier. At a standstill bars move freely right and left. Once moving in a straight line.no play at all when trying to wiggle bars back and forth. Have the front end off the ground now. Noticable detente dead center. Other than that no slop no play. Just put new front wheels bearings in a few weeks ago. It just felt weird. Checking frame to make sure nothing farged. Any ideas? Gremlins? Biden? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furbird Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 Steering stem bearings. Never heard of them going out in a clunk like that but the description is exactly what mine felt like. Go with tapered bearings so you never have to do it again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 Agree it's likely the steering stem bearings (that barely perceptible detente is often a lingering reminder of too much fun, AKA the wheelie curse). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 I take it that you checked the calipers and all braking hardware, axle nut and pinch bolts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redxxrdr Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Did you bounce the suspension a few times before tightening the pinch bolts. I have read that you can get binding if you don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dotetcher Posted September 17, 2020 Author Share Posted September 17, 2020 Braking hardware, axle nut and pinchbolts all fine. With front end suspended there is a slight movement form front to back if I pull and push the front wheel. very slight but its there. I bought the bike with 40000 miles and it now has 128000 miles. Never replacedd the steering head bearings on this one but did on my last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptxyz Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 (edited) think you just confirmed what furbird and ironmike were on to. if it were just loose, you might be able to tighten. that little notch you're feeling is a dent worn into the bearing race with the steering at "dead ahead". Edited September 17, 2020 by ptxyz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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