grinding in steerer tube
116
Member
212 days
ryanweeg posted 26 weeks ago.
yeah, sounds like a problems with the headset. might need a new one, a quality sealed bearing headset and make sure the shop presses the cups into the steerer tube for you.
"If one can stick to the training throughout many long years, that willpower is no longer a problem. It's Raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's beside the point. It's simply just that I have to."
-Emil Zatopek
1547
Member
973 days
833
Member
1255 days
JamieM posted 26 weeks ago.
Yeah, definitely a headset issue. There is either something in the bearings the fork is turning on, or it has to be adjusted. Either way headsets are one thing that if you're not comfortable with it requires a trip to the shop as soon as possible.
The headset may just have to be cleaned and adjusted. If this is, or becomes, a regular occurence, then an upgrade might be in order.
116
Member
212 days
ryanweeg posted 26 weeks ago.
Yeah, sorry the typing in that first message was horrible. Basically, when you take it to the shop they will either tell you something needs cleaning in the steerer tube/headset area (not likely), or they will tell you that the headset will need to be replaced (likely). These range from $20-$120 roughly. I just wanted to be sure you had them press the two headset cups (top and bottom) into it, and install it for you, because if you dont have the correct tool for pressing headset cups/bearings then you are likely to mess up the headset and its bearings. Good luck, and if you have the chance to upgrade I would go with the Chris King as they are legendary and offer a 10 year warranty, but will run around $120-$130. If you cant spend that much, I would definitely choose either Cane Creek or FSA headsets as I have had good luck with both.
"If one can stick to the training throughout many long years, that willpower is no longer a problem. It's Raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's beside the point. It's simply just that I have to."
-Emil Zatopek
821
Member
1371 days
catwood posted 26 weeks ago.
My roadie has the same issue - I took it apart and found the lower headset cup to be totally shot. I'll probably still ride it until I have time to bring it in in two weeks (a recovery/hard class week)...
1547
Member
973 days
tri-ac posted 26 weeks ago.
thanks for the clarification. as you may have guessed, i'm not much of a wrench.
lbs said it's probably $100 (parts & labor) at worst. they'll call tomorrow with the news.
and he gave me the evil eye for allowing his bike to get dirty...dude, at least i'm putting some miles on it!
833
Member
1255 days
JamieM posted 26 weeks ago.
tri-ac wrote:
and he gave me the evil eye for allowing his bike to get dirty...
Ahhh...the sign of a good shop.
722
Member
419 days
theShiba posted 26 weeks ago.
Well, at least YOU don't consider $100 a major repair... To me that would be a major blow! I'd say you probably just need to flood the headset with WD-40 to clean it out, then go back with a healthy dollop of vaseline applied with a tongue depressor. ;)
1547
Member
973 days
116
Member
212 days
ryanweeg posted 26 weeks ago.
Usually, you would pack bearings with grease......not Vaseline. And if you are actually hearing grinding noise from the headset, I would seriously suggest you might be wasting your time with the above afformentioned suggestion. Listen to your shop mechanic, he will ultimately tell you the condition of your actual headset instead of everyone on here guessing as to what the problem may be.
"If one can stick to the training throughout many long years, that willpower is no longer a problem. It's Raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's beside the point. It's simply just that I have to."
-Emil Zatopek
1547
Member
973 days
722
Member
419 days
theShiba posted 26 weeks ago.
Am I the only one that lubes their bike with Vaseline? I use it on the chain, headset, shifters, hubs, brakes, cables, deraileurs, power meter, cyclometer, seat, everything. It's the best.
/sarcasm.
1547
Member
973 days
tri-ac posted 26 weeks ago.
rusted solid
the lesson for me is to get regular maintenance on the headset and bottom bracket and replace the chain every spring whether it needs it or not. the climate here in portland just isn't conducive to bike durability without that kind of maintenance, especially when you're out in it 5+ days a week.
1459
Member
1290 days
brittda posted 26 weeks ago.
tri-ac wrote:
rusted solidthe lesson for me is to get regular maintenance on the headset and bottom bracket and replace the chain every spring whether it needs it or not. the climate here in portland just isn't conducive to bike durability without that kind of maintenance, especially when you're out in it 5+ days a week.
When I was bike commuting, (and my hubby still does) we did a thorough cleaning/lubing weekly. I found that it was necessairy to keep the bike in good running condition. Also swapped out the chanin like you mentioned regularly. It is a bit time consuming, BUT hey you aren't wasting a min of $325/gal for gas :) Even now that I am not working I try to use my bike or walk everywhere (for exercise sake more than anything) for errands etc. I still need to do the darn maintenance with all this rain. The benefit is only having to fill the tank up once a month now (have to do some driving obviously)
i went to grab my bike this morning for my ride to work and the steering was stiff and resisting turning. I rotated the wheel back and forth and felt a kind of grinding. I think my bike is gettting abused by road grit, rain, and maybe even sweat from trainer rides. I chose not to ride it today and I'm going to take it in tonight. I hope it's not toast...I can't afford to replace big parts right now
Tri-ac