Help needed with knocking noise.

[Jeffrey4670]

Hi, Would be grateful for any help regarding a knocking noise from my front wheel. I have notice it's coming from the front shocks and is is more apparent when going over dirt, rough ground, rather than Tarmac roads. It's driving me nuts. The front wheel is secure in the forks. Nothing is loose! Sounds to me like it's coming from the shocks. It's an hybrid bike. Thanks

 

[betty swollocks]

Headset?
Apply front brake, and rock bike forwards. Can you feel movement? If you can it's the headset,
Fix:- loosen stem bolts and then tighten the top cap - by small increments, until the movement has gone. Check that the forks still swivel smoothly back and forth. If it feels notchy, you've tightened it up too much, or the bearings are damaged.
Then tighten stem bolts up again, making sure that front wheel is aligned properly.
While you're there, it'd be a good idea to take the top cap off and pull the headset apart to check if it has enough grease.....

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LTCthtmjD0

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Thanks very much for your help! Having studied the video, I am sure you are correct in what you say. There is movement and have tried to tighten the top screw down but no joy! Still movement. The bike is only 8 weeks old from Halfords, should I take it back?

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Hi, I have taken the headset apart and can not see any sign of any greased parts! The steam has rust marks on it, but I comes apart with ease. Should I just get some grease tomorrow and will it just tighten up ok?

 

[betty swollocks]

Take the forks out, give everything a good clean and inspect the bearing surfaces. If all looks good, apply liberal amounts of grease and reassemble. Remember, tighten stem bolts AFTER top cap adjustment. If there is still movement, it may be that you are pulling the star-fangled nut up the steerer, when you tighten the top cap - (you are tightening it with the stem bolts LOOSE aren't you?), in which case you'll need a new star-fangled nut fitted. This is probably a job for your local friendly bike shop
If the insides are damaged, you may have to consider a replacement headset. This is a job for your friendly local bike shop too.

 

[betty swollocks]

The bike is only 8 weeks old from Halfords, should I take it back?

It's probably still under warranty, but there are a lot of reports about the botched jobs Halfords mechanics do.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

I have greased the 2 bearings and put back. Yes made sure the stem bolt was tight first, before the bars. Stem bolt tightens ok, but still a bit of movement in the forks. Will go for a run out tomorrow and see if there is any improvement, if not back to Halfords to put right under warranty. Thanks for all your help