Advice wanted- "stiff" steering!

J-89
J-89 Posts: 61
edited June 2008 in Workshop
Just came back off a ride where the steering became increasing rigid. When i got back in the handlebars would not turn nice and loosely/freely like normal but needed a decent push/pull to turn them, it made riding in a straight line rather difficult on the road! is this a problem with the headset? dont have a clue when it comes to the bits i cant see sorta thing, anyone know whats wrong?

Cheers in advance
J-89

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    It could be your headset, but also indicative of something even more serious such as a cracked fork steerer. If you're not mechanically competent, suggest you pay a visit to your LBS at least to diagnose whether it's safe of not.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    Yes, it's a headset problem. The bearings could be either clogged with gunge and need a clean, or binding because they are knackered and breaking up. Personally I would replace the headset. They are cheap enough to make faffing about with them not worth while.
  • J-89
    J-89 Posts: 61
    Though as much, is is difficult to replace a headset, i have zin & the art of road bike maintenance but up untill now have never really needed to read it, easy job?
    J-89
  • Toonraid
    Toonraid Posts: 126
    Yes it is. Open it up - take bearing out, inspect condition, relube the check inside of HT as well as fork steering tube and if all ok put it back together and tighten (bear in bind to make sure you get the right tension - too much tightening and the steering will be stiff - not enough and there will be play when you try to move the bike forward with the front brake applied).

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