Steering notch.

[Grant66]

Just had the MOT done today, the steering was had a very slight notch in the centre (wheel off ground, steering hesitated whilst crossing centre line). He said he could adjust it out, which he did quickly by loosening the head stock nut, wiggled something & retightened.

Has he just masked the problem & the bearing needs changing ASAP or is it something I can leave for a bit and check it weekly?

Did a search but nothing seemed to answer my question. Its a K2 Curvey BTW (about 18K).

[martin15s]

shouldn't be any notching or stiffness in the steering. Bars should swing smoothly from lock to lock. Does sound as if the head bearings are shot.

[Grant66]

They are now! (as in smooth without notches or stiffness). Which has got me a bit confused as to what he has done to fix a notchy bearing.

[Spanner Man]

Good morning all.


Slackening the steering bearings will only mask the symptoms for a little while. If there's a notch in the bearing races, the only cure is to replace them, end of.


Cheers.

[Grant66]

Thanks, I'll get my haynes manual out. Big job, can a numpty do it?

[johnnyrod]

It's a long job but not too complex, you need a bit of confidence though and to be able to jack the front end up to dismantle it. If you're a real nnumpty then I'd pay for it, lots of labour though. Needs doing sooner rather thanlater, it's dangerous.

[Stephen McG]

I suspect he loosened the nut to reset the bearings.
The nut would have been tightened (and locked off) again.
I would suggest that you leave well alone and not replace for the sake of it.
If you are braking hard and you get a definite shudder, then it is time to replace.

SMcG in Glasgow