Steering problem.. it's catching at the center point

[kens97sto171]

Well today I took a ride, and when I got off the highway, went to turn at stop light, it did not want to turn.

Took me a little bit to figure out that the steering is sticky. There is almost like a detent at the center point, and you have to put a little effort in the bars to get it past that center point.

I am thinking that the steering bearing is going, or maybe the bolt came loose.

Anybody else have that issue, or know whats involved...

I looked on the mega welcome and did not see any steering related links..

Thanks for your help.

Ken

[tkent02]

Your steering head bearings are shot, replace them and adjust them PROPERLY.

[kens97sto171]

That's what I thought. Any idea about the best place to get new ones, and the cost... or how much work is involved? I can do the work, just trying to get an idea how much time I should set aside for it.

thanks
Ken

[tkent02]

Depending on which bike you have, any bearing supply house will have them, or any Suzuki shop, or AllBalls sells them.

It's pretty easy, a few hours the first time.

[recycled64]

Bike?

Not sure what bike you have, but if it has separate 1/4" balls and races for them in the steering head, the balls, over time, have created dents in the races from constant road pounding over the miles. It's pretty common in older bikes. Most, if not all, of the impacts from potholes, or ripples in the pavement, occur when the steering is generally in the straight-ahead handlebar position, hence the tendency for the steering to self-center as you described. Tapered-roller replacements, readily available, will not only cure the problem, but also prevent it from happening again.

[LarryA_Texas]

Be sure to read a shop manual to get them torqued properly. The worst thing you can do is guess, and over-tighten the nut. You might even find that you can correct the problem if it hasn't been adjusted properly to begin with. (maybe you or a PO twisted the nut without realizing the mistake)

[tkent02]

Tapered-roller replacements, readily available, will not only cure the problem, but also prevent it from happening again.

No they actually don't. They are certainly better, but they will still wear notches in the race.

[kens97sto171]

Thanks for all the replies. Its an 82 GS1100

I will look for the parts...at the suggested places.

Thanks again
Ken

[Steve]

Tapered-roller replacements, readily available, will not only cure the problem, but also prevent it from happening again.

No they actually don't. They are certainly better, but they will still wear notches in the race.

Yep, and here is the proof:



.

[cowboyup3371]

Z1 has really good prices on their All Balls bearings.

[bwringer]

Just a detail -- the procedure in the manual is intended for the stock ball bearings. I've found that tapered bearings need to be a bit tighter. I don't really have a good procedure, but I've learned the right feel after doing this a couple dozen times.

Stop by a farm or powersports store and get some really good waterproof grease.

[kens97sto171]

Just wanted to give you an update. I went out today and messed with the steering.

Got the front off the ground.. No catching when there is no weight on the wheel. Also tried wiggling the wheel to see if there was any play. I could find none.

First I tried tightening the ring... maybe 1/8 to 1/4 turn. That made it worse once it was back on the ground.

So I then tried putting it about the same amount LOOSER than it was when I started.

That did it. No more catching at the center point. And still no play at the end of the forks. Hopefully this will buy me some time.

Obviously there is a problem with a bearing in there... So I WILL be ordering the parts, found them for $40 or so at All Balls, I think.

I have some other parts to order.. Reg/Rec and Now a clutch cable..

That is another story I will tell you about in a separate post.

Thanks for all the help.

Ken

[Big T]

Once you get in there, check the race carefully. They can break and create a catch spot