larsalan

I think there is a problem in my steering cups. Tell me if this sounds familiar.

It is a road bike w/ threaded fork and cups.

while I am riding sometimes the bars seem to veer to either side sorta like just magically like a ouija board or something.

JanMM

sounds like it's time to take the headset apart and replace the bearings and grease and see what the bearing races look like; if you're lucky they won't be pitted.

krems81 

do they move like ouija when riding with no hands, or even when riding w/ hands?

if latter you might wanna check for poultergeist.

4 real though, probably some pitting in races/cups and headset is "notching" from irregular wear.

larsalan

That's what I figured; the races/cups are getting messed up. Guess I'll just live with it. Replacing that stuff seems like a real pain.

Jeff Wills

Nope, it's about as simple as it gets when it comes to machinery. Here's how to do it, complete with pictures: https://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127

One thing to check first: if the brake and/or shifter cables are applying pressure on the handlebars, they can cause the bike to steer itself. The wheel should swing side to side freely if you pick the bike up by the frame.

larsalan

I guess I could pull the cups myself w/ a split copper pipe. But I'll have to get the shop to pull the race off the fork and might as well have them press a new one.

Where can I find the parts for it, those guys are total dicks. I need..
2 cups
2 races

I know for sure the upper race is gouged cause I saw it a month ago when I put some grease in there.

demoncyclist

You can get a complete headset for short money from any online supplier. A Shimano unit with cartridge bearings would probably fit the bill, and you should be able to do everything yourself.

larsalan

^ really?
"be able to do everything yourself"
how can I pull and press the fork race?

I didn't know it the sizes varied on these parts.
it's that 1.5 in. threaded head so I guess it's gonna be a 1.5 in part right.


can I get a link on the parts?

norwood

Umm... You didn't happen to tighten it too tight when putting it back together did you? A headset adjusted too tight will display the symptoms you mentioned.

norwood

A road bike with a 1.5 in. headset? Double check that.

More likely 1in. or 1 & 1/8in. on the newer stuff.

Homebrew01

Maybe your stem is loose.

Panthers007

For now: We have figured out the location of the problem. We need more information.

larsalan

Yeah it's 1 1/8, sorry.

I will try out loosening the headset.