Bicycle Mechanics - creaking from dust cover or is it the crown race?

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hobbestec
02-19-09, 02:17 PM
I have an '08 Scott S40 that seems to have a creaking noise coming from between the bottom dust cover and the crown race when I steer the bike. At least I think it's a dust cover, unless it's the crown race itself. There is a thin plastic like piece at the very bottom with a ritchey logo embossed on it down there that I can spin independently and make the noise or hold still and steer left and right and not make the noise. Can I put lubricant in between there like tri-flow or is this a sign i'm going to have to get new headset bearings soon.

thanks,
Paul

DOS
02-19-09, 02:27 PM
I can't imagine the bearings are shot on an 08 bike. My first step would be to clean around the cups and bottom of the headtube, then make sure the headset is adjusted properly (i.e. check for play and tighten down as needed). If that didn't work, I'd take the headset apart, clean everything, and regrease bearings (assuming they are loose bearings, cartridge).