Bicycle Mechanics - Front fork clunk.

Apllying the brakes and rocking the bike forward, I can definitely feel a 'clunk' in the stem area which is a quill type. Neither the through Allen bolt has been removed, and neither have the locknuts or adjustment been touched. I'm selling the bike in the next day or so, so I don't want to throw too much at it, but neither do I want to sell it as a 'lemon'. What's the likely cause of the problem? Is it just a case of adjustment or are the bearings likely to be shot? Unfortunately, I don't have sockets of the size needed. I'd like to be able to tell any buyer what the problem is and then negotiate the price to account for any repair/check that might be necessary. Advice appreciated.

Sounds like your headset needs adjustment.
If you have solid bearings you have to buy new ones, otherwise you can adjust them.

:beer:

It's not likely the stem. If the stem were that loose it would come out in your hands. As Mark says, it is the headset. It is a pretty easy adjustment. Where the quill enters the head tube there should be a large nut. Below that may be a big washer. Below that somewhere should be either another large nut or a knurled ring. If it will turn by hand, turn it until it feels like it contacts the bearings. It shouldn't be tight exactly, just not loose. Holding it firmly in position, tighten the big locking nut against the ring to lock the adjustment in place. Turn the bars. If it doesn't turn freely, loosen the lockring, back the knurled ring of a tad, retighten the locknut and try it again.

DISCLAIMER: The best approach and the proper thing might be a headset overhaul, including cleaning/replacing/repacking the bearings. This is just a quick fix that will get the clunk out.

does your bike have a front suspension fork on it as well? if it's not the headset, some of the bushings in suspension forks tend to wear out (ie: RockShox) and when you apply the brakes and rock, it feels as if you've got a loose headset. Sounds like your headset...but if it's not, there's your next guess. good luck

HFC!!! SOLID BEARINGS? Do they make hollow ones? If the HS is loose,it only takes adjusting to take the clunk out.No rebuilding and repacking necessary.

Thanks guys. It is indeed the adjustment and I can see movement at the bottom of the headset where the fork crown engages. Sorry I got my terminology wrong!

It just seems a bit frustrating that the locknuts seem to vary in size. I'll get my LBS to adjust it for me.

Originally posted by pokey
HFC!!! SOLID BEARINGS? Do they make hollow ones?

My apologises for this huge mistake! , i promise to think before i post a reply next time, ahum... :rolleyes:

Originally posted by pokey
HFC!!! SOLID BEARINGS? Do they make hollow ones? If the HS is loose,it only takes adjusting to take the clunk out.No rebuilding and repacking necessary.

Are you not being a hypocrit here? You really should not criticize other's when you are just as guilty. :rolleyes: