Mon, 05 Oct 1998 11:27:42 +0200 - Message No. 4171
From: Panos Mallios

Subject: RE : Stearing Head



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Achim wrote :

>When turning the steering while the bike is standing, Ineed quite a lot
of
>power to turn the steering over the middle position. So I lifted the
front
>wheel (with my mainstand :-)) ) and found out, that the steering has a
>position where it "rests" (einrasten). This position is the
>"middle-position", which means the front wheel is straight.
>My questions now are: what's the reason, how to fix it, and probably


Hello Achim,

I had the same problem on my RD04 a while back. The stearing shouldn't
normally "rest" or "lock" in any position. The problem was the main
stearing bearing which was worn out. It normally wears out in the
position its used more (i.e. the middle position) and it sort of looses
its circular shape.
I couldn't really tell you how to replace it yourself because I let a
mechanic do it for me. If I remember correctly though the front wheel
and suspension had to come off to get to it. The whole job shouldn't
take more than a day.

>how long I can wait for fixing it (which means: is it dangerous) ??

Theoretically if the bearing breaks your steering would lock where it is
at the time, but I have never heard of anyone who has been in this
situation so far. It would be wise though to refrain from off road
driving until you repair it.

Panos
@#74



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Achim wrote :

>When turning the steering while the bike is standing, Ineed quite a lot of
>power to turn the steering over the middle position. So I lifted the front
>wheel (with my mainstand :-)) ) and found out, that the steering has a
>position where it "rests" (einrasten). This position is the
>"middle-position", which means the front wheel is straight.
>My questions now are: what's the reason, how to fix it, and probably 
 

Hello Achim,

I had the same problem on my RD04 a while back. The stearing shouldn't normally "rest" or "lock" in any position. The problem was the main stearing bearing which was worn out. It normally wears out in the position its used more (i.e. the middle position) and it sort of looses its circular shape.
I couldn't really tell you how to replace it yourself because I let a mechanic do it for me. If I remember correctly though the front wheel and suspension had to come off to get to it. The whole job shouldn't take more than a day.

>how long I can wait for fixing it (which means: is it dangerous) ??

Theoretically if the bearing breaks your steering would lock where it is at the time, but I have never heard of anyone who has been in this situation so far. It would be wise though to refrain from off road driving until you repair it.

Panos
@#74
 
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