So I’m going for a bike fit soon and I just washed my bike. Standard wash on the bike stand really. Didn’t soak handlebar area but some spray around there.
Other than that I changed the front four bolts on the stem, that’s it.
My first thought was something with the headset bearings but honestly I don’t know what could have caused it. I’m also curious why the hell the handlebar kind of locks in place straight forward when I give it a slight push.
Anyone seen this type of thing before, knows the potential cause, how the verify and a potential fix? I have no experience in working on headset bearings but learning is part of the fun on working on the bike.
What could be the cause of this behavior in the steerer?
byu/keetz inbikewrench
by keetz
6 Comments
Preload is too tight on the top cap. That notching you are feeling is where the ball bearings have made small dents in the races and are centering back into them. Loosen the stem bolts, then the top cap bolt.
Hopefully, the headset races aren’t excessively damaged. You might need a new headset.
Worn headset.
Need some new headset bearings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM4iddLaL8I
Google for “headset false brinelling”. Obviously, you need a new bike.