Hi all

recently got my bike back from the bike shop after a bit of work was done including the steering bearings replaced.

Anyway been out two weekends and there now seems to be a bit of movement there when I pull the front brake.

Its not the floating discs moving its definetely the bearings loose or maybe just bedded in.

Anyone know how a total repair noob like me could tighten them up?

Regards

superfly

Just been there. Yup if the head bearings are loose the front does make a clunking noise, as you'd expect it to. I kept doing up the capstan nut which kept loosening. Then I found out why.

Fix. Try not to take-off the triple clamp, it can be a cow to get back on without damaging the nut that secures the triple clamp. Do up the capstan nut (underneath the triple clamp) until nice and snug. Then (not forgetting to loosen the grub screw and Cap bolts on the triple clamp) tighten the top nut over the triple clamp until TIGHT but not too tight 'cause it's aluminium and will strip easily. So the top nut acts as a locknut for the capstan nut (and the legbone's connected to the thighbone... ).

Some of the 'nuts' I've referred to are pretty odd but you'll figure them out as you see them.

HTH

TFT

erm ok i'll have a look.

Someone today told me to loosen the top fork clamps, undo the grub screw, turn the locking ring down tighten top nut then turn lock ring up and re-tighten grub screw - sound about right?

Theres also an allen bolt underneath the bearing tube any ideas what thats for ?

Thanks

sup

  erm ok i'll have a look.

Someone today told me to loosen the top fork clamps, undo the grub screw, turn the locking ring down tighten top nut then turn lock ring up and re-tighten grub screw - sound about right?

Theres also an allen bolt underneath the bearing tube any ideas what thats for ?

Thanks

sup

Yup. In a nutshell. Sup wins the "Brevity" award. Not sure about the allen bolt. Could be the grub screw.

Take care not to get it too tight though, as this will effect steering, obviously. Putting the bike on a stand with wheel suspended will allow you to feel if it's too tight.

The rule for tightening steering head bearings is to find that sweet spot where there is no slop and no binding.

You'll want to loosen the top fork clamps while adjusting.