Wheel Wobble

mike boyce

Hi Guys
I hope somebody can help me with a wheel wobble problem.
When I am desending I get a wobble in my front wheel, is it in need of a new hub bearing or is it a spoke problem?.
As I'm sure you will all know when yor winging it down hill its all a bit unsettling to when you see your wheel shaking.

normanp

Hold the top of the wheel an see if there is any left-right play - if there is any at all the front hub bearings need adjustment (and probably dismantling & re-greasing). It's unlikely to be a spoke in the front wheel unless you have hit a pothole heavily (it will be out of true if it is a loose spoke - just spin the wheel to see). If all this is OK it may be shimmy due to a loose headset. On a good surface at rest put the front break on hard and rock the bike forward & back repeatedly by pushing on the handlebars - if the front forks/wheel shift back and forward with a bit of a clunk (you may not see it but just feel it) the headset needs attention eg adjust / re-grease or replace. If all this is OK you may be unlucky with the bike - some shimmy at speed - very alarming. However this is unlikely if it has only just started happening. Don't ignore this - it could be rather unsafe!

mike boyce

Thanks Normanp
I think the problem lies with the wheel hub as there is movement in the wheel as you discribe. I reasontly had new bars fitted so I am hoping that its nothing to do with that.
I think a trip to my LBS tomorrow as I am riding the Hell of Ashdown this Sunday 27th.
Thanks again for the advice.
Mike

John.T

It could be 'pitting' in the headset bearings. Lift the front of the bike and turn the steering slighly. If it tries to self centre or you can feel any roughness it is time for a new one.